A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine as an adjuvant treatment for alcohol use disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We assessed the effect of N-acetylcysteine, as an adjuvant treatment, on treatment adherence (primary outcome) according to peripheral biomarkers and clinical improvement (secondary outcomes) in patients with alcohol use disorder.

Methods

A 9-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 53 (n = 25 N-acetylcysteine, n = 28 placebo) inpatients with alcohol use disorder. Neuropeptide Y, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, and hepatic parameters were analyzed at 3 time points.

Results

Seventeen (60.7%) patients in the placebo group and 16 (64%) patients in the N-acetylcysteine group completed the trial. Hepatic biomarker levels changed significantly over time (p < 0.001). Oxidized glutathione levels at admission wer

SUBMITTER: Schuch JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12681350 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature