Evidence supporting the use of: N-Acetyl Cysteine
For the health condition: Alcoholism

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has been explored in scientific research for its potential role in supporting the treatment of alcoholism, primarily due to its effects on glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a major antioxidant, and is thought to modulate the glutamate system, which is implicated in addiction and craving behaviors. Several small-scale clinical studies and pilot trials have investigated NAC's use in reducing alcohol cravings and consumption. Some findings suggest modest benefits: for example, a 2017 pilot study (Alcohol and Alcoholism, Schmaal et al.) reported that NAC may reduce alcohol use in dependent individuals, though statistical significance was not always achieved. Other studies have found similar mixed or inconclusive results with respect to craving and relapse rates. A 2023 systematic review (Quinn et al., Frontiers in Psychiatry) concluded that while NAC shows promise in reducing craving and relapse for various substance use disorders, evidence specifically for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in humans remains preliminary and limited by small sample sizes and methodological differences. There is not yet enough robust data to recommend NAC as a standard treatment for alcoholism. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and some early human evidence, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is insufficient for strong clinical endorsement at this time.

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