Evidence supporting the use of: N-acetylcysteine
For the health condition: Addictions (general remedies for)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is supported by a moderate and growing body of scientific research for its use in treating certain types of addiction. NAC is a precursor to the amino acid cysteine and serves as an antioxidant, but its relevance to addiction is mainly due to its influence on glutamatergic neurotransmission in the brain. Preclinical studies and clinical trials have shown that NAC can modulate the glutamate system, which is implicated in the neurobiology of addiction and relapse. Several randomized controlled trials have investigated NAC for substance use disorders, including cocaine, cannabis, nicotine, and gambling addiction, with mixed but generally promising results, especially in reducing cravings and preventing relapse.

For instance, a 2013 meta-analysis published in "Drug and Alcohol Dependence" concluded that NAC showed potential benefit as an adjunctive treatment for cocaine and cannabis dependence, particularly in reducing cravings. However, the effect sizes were modest and some studies did not find significant benefits. Research is ongoing, and while guidelines do not yet universally recommend NAC as a first-line therapy for addiction, it is increasingly recognized as a potentially useful adjunct, particularly for individuals who have not responded to conventional therapies. Overall, NAC's use in addiction is grounded in scientific investigation rather than tradition, but more high-quality studies are needed to clarify its role and optimize its use.

More about N-acetylcysteine
More about Addictions (general remedies for)

Products containing N-acetylcysteine

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.