Two Victorian centres – Geelong and Melbourne – are part of a trial using N-Acetyl Cysteine, or NAC, which can reduce cravings for ice and help people stop using the substance.

Early studies using NAC in the treatment of schizophrenia, which improved understanding of how the drug works and paved they way to the current trials, were carried out in Ballarat.

“NAC can protect against the neurotoxic effects of ice and it is hoped that, in addition to helping people dependent on ice cut down or stop their use, NAC will reduce the mood changes that are often experienced as a result of ice addiction,” said Dr Olivia Dean from Deakin University’s IMPACT Strategic Research Centre.

NAC will be given as a take-home medication, which Dr Dean said was exciting for potential treatment of crystal methamphetamine, or ice, addiction.

“While there are very good supports out there for a lot of people in terms of rehab and detox, the waiting list time for service because of lack of resources makes it difficult for people seeking immediate treatment,” she said.

“We see this as having potential that even if it can’t be a cure, it could be a stop-gap and something people can do straight away when they are in the frame of mind to stop their dependency and reduce cravings until they get in to a formal program.”

NAC has also been shown to reduce cravings for other substances including cocaine, cannabis and tobacco.

Researchers are recruiting 180 patients – 60 each in Geelong, Melbourne and Wollongong – to be part of the 12 week  randomised controlled N-ICE Trial to test the effectiveness of using NAC to treat ice addiction.

Dr Dean said Ballarat participants were welcome but had to be able to travel to Geelong for assessment and weekly reviews.

NAC is one of a new generation of medications being trialled for addiction. It targets glutamate changes in the brain that are thought to underpin drug craving and addiction.

“When someone first takes ice they experience the desirable effects of intoxication. But if they continue to use, and become dependent, changes occur in the brain that cause cravings, making it hard to stop using ice,” said lead researcher and National Drug Research Institute Associate Professor Rebecca McKetin.

“NAC helps to reduce cravings by restoring the balance of chemicals in the brain that are involved in craving and drug seeking, making it easier for people to manage their desire for the drug.”

There is no approved medication to treat ice addiction, which is seen as a significant barrier to users seeking treatment. The main forms of treatment are counselling interventions and residential rehabilitation

Early studies on NAC and schizophrenia, conducted at Ballarat Health, found it helped improve some symptoms including lack of emotional response, and feeling down and withdrawn.

www.nicetrial.info