Using N-acetylcysteine to help manage alcohol use disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in improving treatment outcomes for individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Conducted in Australia, the study will involve a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design with 280 participants receiving either NAC or a placebo for 12 weeks. The trial seeks to address the urgent need for new treatment strategies for AUD, which is a leading cause of preventable death in the country. By personalizing treatment based on genotype and clinical comorbidities, the study hopes to enhance the efficacy of interventions for heavy drinkers.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Alcohol Use Disorder according to the DSM-V criteria
* A desire to reduce or stop drinking
* Consumed at least 21 standard drinks per week or 2 heavy drinking days per week (HDD: ≥ 5 standard drinks/day for men; ≥4 for women) in the month prior to screening
* Adequate cognition and English language skills to give valid consent and complete research interviews
* Stable housing
* Willingness to give written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or lactation (women will be advised to use reliable contraception during the trial and a pregnancy test will be performed were necessary)
* Concurrent use of any psychotropic medication other than antidepressants (provided these are taken at stable doses for at least two months)
* Any substance dependence other than nicotine
* Clinically unstable systemic medical (e.g. cancer, end stage liver disease: e.g. MELD score ≥ 10) or psychiatric disorder (e.g. active psychosis, borderline personality disorder, active suicide risk: e.g. MADRAS item 10 score of 6) that precludes trial participation
* Concurrent use of selenium, vitamin D or other anti-oxidants
* Any alcohol pharmacotherapy within the past month

Where it's running

• Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
  Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Recruiting
• Cornwall Street Medical Centre (UQ Health Care)
  Annerley, Queensland, Australia Not yet recruiting
• Turning Point
  Richmond, Victoria, Australia Active not recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Kirsten Morley, PhD
• Email: Kirsten.morley@sydney.edu.au
• Phone: 61295153636

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Body-focused mindfulness added to inpatient alcohol use disorder treatment

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.