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N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant available over the counter, targets glutamate receptors and may restore glutamate homeostasis associated with addictive behaviors. Its efficacy in nicotine, cannabis, and cocaine use disorders has been inconsistently demonstrated in some clinical trials. Regarding alcohol use, NAC reduces consumption and withdrawal in rodents and craving in humans. In a multisite, placebo-controlled study of 302 adults with cannabis use disorder (CUD), NAC at 1200 mg twice daily did not affect marijuana consumption (Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 177:249). Researchers have now conducted a secondary analysis of its effect on alcohol consumption.
The trial excluded participants meeting criteria for alcohol dependence, and ther…