To explore the effectiveness of n-acetylcysteine in improving treatment outcomes for alcohol use disorder in a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial.
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
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
University of Sydney
Lead sponsor
Monash University
Collaborator