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N-acetylcysteine may reduce substance use in adolescents
N-acetylcysteine, an over-the-counter antioxidant supplement with glutamatergic properties, was associated with reduced alcohol use among adolescents with marijuana dependence, according to recent findings.
“I think society recognizes that most problematic substance use begins in adolescence — it's pretty well-accepted — but the large majority of the treatment research is focused on adults,” study researcher Kevin M. Gray, MD, of Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, said in a press release. “We are interested in intervening very early in a robust but safe way, and that's part of why we're intrigued by [N-acetylcysteine] as a potential adjunct to established care.”
To assess the effect of N-acetylcysteine on alcohol use and the role of marijuana cessation on subsequent alcohol use, researchers randomly assigned 116 adolescents with marijuana dependence to receive 1,200 mg of N-acetylcysteine or placebo daily for 8 weeks.
Among the 89 participants who returned for at least one post-randomization visit, 77 reported consuming one or more alcoholic drinks in the 30 days prior to study enrollment, with a mean of 1.3 binge-drinking days per week.
During treatment, less marijuana use was associated with less alcohol use among participants who received N-acetylcysteine (P = .016). This association was not found among those who received placebo.
“This study, in the context of recent preclinical findings, suggests [N-acetylcysteine] may be a promising candidate pharmacotherapy for adolescent alcohol use,” Lindsay M. Squeglia PhD, of Medical University of South Carolina, and colleagues wrote. “Previously reported [N-acetylcysteine]-related reductions in marijuana use could generalize to other substances including alcohol. Effective interventions during adolescence could have substantial long-term implications by reducing acute and enduring negative social, academic, and cognitive consequences related to adolescent binge drinking. Particularly in regards to interventions that effectively reduce alcohol use, evaluation of novel candidate treatments, including [N-acetylcysteine], is warranted in adolescents.” – by Amanda Oldt
Disclosure: Please see the study for a full list of relevant financial disclosures.