Clinical Trial of NAC (n-acetylcysteine) To Reduce Cravings

Tango · Resident

My exbf swears this "cured" him. I'm skeptical but in case it interests/helps anyone here, there is an NIH trial going on.

See: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/show/NCT00218491

NAC is currently available OTC but is unproven beyond Phase I trials.

Good luck to those working hard to eliminate this menace from their lives!

Admin · Site Admin

Even as it marked as food supplement in US, you should ask your doctor before taking NAC.
People with diabetes and Cystunuria (formating cystine kidney stones)should not take NAC.

Admin · Site Admin

bump
http://www.cocainehelp.org/Article75625.html

Tango · Resident

If anyone has any success with this, it might be helpful to others to post your experience here. Again, consult a medical professional before trying any remedies of this kind.

deliciousswaggerdog · Resident

I've been taking 1000mg/day of NAC. My cravings for crack are less. I'm on day 11 crack free. I'm going to keep taking the NAC until the bottle runs out, then see how I feel without it for a few days. I'll keep you updated.

Tango · Resident

Thanks for your reply, dsd!

Would you rate your level of craving on a scale from 1 to 10 before starting the NAC and what it is now that you've been taking it for a while?

Also, are you substance use free entirely now--i.e. no alcohol, etc.

Finally, are you avoiding past drug-using/dealing associates?

Thanks for your input--I'm sure it's helpful to many.

deliciousswaggerdog · Resident

Before starting nac I was a 7 now I'm a 2...I just want to say that first I made the conscious decision to quick smoking crack, then I went and got some nac. If you don't want to stop, I doubt nac will help. Nac does not give me a buzz or a high at all.

I'm 20 days free of crack. I was drinking red wine most nights but now I'm day 4 alcohol free.

I'm avoiding all drug associates

Tango · Resident

DSW, thanks for your reply. Where did you learn about NAC? I'm wondering how widely it is known that this could be helpful.

I think it's good to eliminate all mind altering substances. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and you know where that can lead.

Sometimes I think it's human nature to want to alter your consciousness and the trick is find healthy ways to do so. Listening to music very closely with eyes closed and vigorous exercise are excellent choices in my book.

Also, learning to love the morning rather than the night is a way to remove yourself from the drug scene. Oh, I know crack is a 24 hour drug but there's something about being sober and feeling healthy when those first rays of sunshine hit the earth that enhances hopefulness.

Another thought is to remember past non-substance related activities that you used to really enjoy--reading, seeing good movies, playing a sport, playing a game like chess, whatever it might be--can reinforce the truth that life is good when your mind is free and clear.

Best wishes and good luck!