N-Acetylcysteine Reduces Desire For Cocaine

Animal studies and pre-clinical trials have suggested that supplementation with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can benefit withdrawal in cocaine dependent subjects. In a recent pilot study 23 individuals were given NAC in doses of 1200 mg, 2400 mg, or 3600 mg daily for four weeks. Sixteen people completed the trial, in which the majority of participants either significantly reduced their intake or completely discontinued the use of cocaine. This is an important breakthrough in addiction recovery, as NAC is a non-toxic and readily available dietary supplement that also has demonstrated clinical efficacy as a mucolytic, antioxidant, and glutathione precursor.

Markadian PN, LaRowe SD, Hedden S, et al. An open-label trial of N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of cocaine dependence: a pilot study. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2007;31:389-394.