# Randomized Controlled Trial of N-acetylcysteine for Alcohol Use Disorder and Comorbid PTSD

> **NIH NIH R01** · MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · 2020 · $51,948

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Despite the frequent co-occurrence and deleterious consequences associated with comorbid alcohol use
disorder (AUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there is little scientific evidence available to guide
the provision of care. The current study directly addresses this critical gap by testing the efficacy of
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as compared to placebo in reducing AUD and PTSD severity. Accumulating preclinical
and clinical research provides encouraging support for the therapeutic potential of NAC in the treatment of
AUD/PTSD via glutamatergic modulation. Moreover, NAC is an inexpensive, over-the-counter agent with a
favorable tolerability profile. The parent grant is an ongoing 12-week, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
testing NAC versus placebo on reduction in AUD symptoms (Aim 1) and PTSD severity (Aim 2). Advanced
neuroimaging techniques are employed at pre- and post-treatment to investigate the pathophysiology of
AUD/PTSD (Aim 3). All participants receive weekly, manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for AUD.
The purpose of this Administrative Supplement (PA-18-591) is to retain Dr. Delisa Brown, a senior postdoctoral
fellow, on the parent project for an additional six months to support the successful completion of the study aims
and preserve the integrity of the parent grant. Dr. Brown serves in two vital and distinct capacities on the
project, and her work in these roles has been delayed due to setbacks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
(1) Dr. Brown is a highly-trained Study Therapist, providing weekly CBT for AUD via telehealth to participants.
She completed a multi-day training on the intervention theory, background, and implementation, and has
participated in weekly supervision over the past two years. Dr. Brown is an exceptional clinician, and as an
African American clinician she brings highly valued diversity to the project (almost 20% of the sample is African
American). Her work in this capacity will help ensure sufficient power necessary to address Aims 1 and 2.
(2) Dr. Brown plays a vital role on the neuroimaging component by conducting imagery script development
sessions to create personalized, in-scanner alcohol, trauma, and neutral cues. Dr. Brown completed
specialized training at Yale University and Massachusetts General Hospital specifically for this purpose. She
also assists with the critical task of pre-processing the imaging data to ensure quality control and preparation
for analysis. Her work in this capacity is crucial to the successful completion of Aim 3. The requested
Administrative Supplement will ensure Dr. Brown's continued work on the parent grant and maintain the
integrity of the highly trained team carrying out this important project. The findings from this project have the
potential to innovate clinical practice, improve treatment outcomes, and decrease the significant economic
burden associated with co-occurring AUD/PTSD.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10209312
- **Project number:** 3R01AA025086-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
- **Principal Investigator:** Sudie E. Back
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $51,948
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2016-09-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10209312

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10209312, Randomized Controlled Trial of N-acetylcysteine for Alcohol Use Disorder and Comorbid PTSD (3R01AA025086-05S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10209312. Licensed CC0.

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