One of the lesser known benefits of NAC is its ability to help people struggling with alcoholism.
NAC helps reduce cravings for alcohol and may also help reduce withdrawal symptoms. This is done by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which helps balance brain chemistry.
NAC is also known for its ability to help protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol consumption.
In addition, because NAC is a precursor to glutathione, the body's main antioxidant, it could potentially provide relief from alcohol-related oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when free radical activity exceeds what our body's antioxidants can handle. This phenomenon is believed to be one of the causes of many common diseases.
A study published in 2013 on Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research included 24 participants in mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal. Participants were given NAC or placebo for five days and then assessed daily with a standard clinical instrument measuring symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal.
Results showed that subjects taking NAC had significantly fewer symptoms than those taking placebo.
In addition, participants taking NAC reported less anxiety during periods of acute withdrawal and had better sleep quality than those taking placebo.
Although more research is needed before NAC can be recommended as a treatment for alcoholism, these results suggest that people suffering from alcohol withdrawal may benefit from adding NAC supplements to their diet.
For people trying to quit drinking, NAC can be a powerful tool to combat cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can also help reduce the risk of relapse into alcoholism. If you are struggling with alcoholism, talk to your doctor about whether NAC may be right for you.