Influence of n-Acetylcysteine Maintenance on Alcohol Effects

A Human Laboratory Study of n-Acetylcysteine for Alcohol Use Disorder

This study will evaluate the behavioral effects of alcohol during placebo and n-acetylcysteine maintenance using sophisticated human laboratory methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• able to speak/read English
• not seeking treatment at the time of the study
• one binge drinking episode (5+/4+ standard alcoholic drinks per drinking session for men and women, respectively) in the past 30 days
• recent alcohol use verified by ethyl glucuronide positive urine, as well as fulfillment of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder
• ECG within normal limits
• otherwise healthy
• body mass index of 19-35
• females using an effective form of birth control and not pregnant or breast feeding
• judged by the medical staff to be psychiatrically and physically healthy
• able to abstain from alcohol for 12 hours prior to session
• no contraindications/allergies to n-acetylcysteine