Effectiveness of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) in Treating Cocaine Dependent Individuals - 1 (NAC)

Inclusion Criteria: Meets DSM-IV criteria for cocaine dependence, as determined by a mini-SCID interview Currently dependent on cocaine Seeking treatment for cocaine abuse at the time of study entry Currently uses cocaine by smoking, nasal, or intravenous route of administration. Stable physical and mental health, as judged by an interview and physical examination If female, demonstrates a negative pregnancy test and agrees to use an adequate method of contraception for the duration of the study Lives within a 50 mile radius of the research program center and has reliable transportation Exclusion Criteria: Meets DSM-IV criteria for dependence on any psychoactive substance other than cocaine, alcohol, nicotine, or marijuana Physiological dependence on alcohol, which requires medical detoxification History of significant liver, kidney, endocrine, cardiac (e.g., arrhythmia requiring medication, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction), stroke, seizure, neurological, non-drug-related psychiatric, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, hematologic, or metabolic disorders (e.g., homocystinuria) History of an adverse reaction to cocaine, including loss of consciousness, chest pain, psychosis, or seizure History of adverse reaction or hypersensitivity to N-acetyl cystine (NAC), or a similar drug Significant active medical or psychiatric illness that might inhibit the ability to complete the study Active high blood pressure, defined as a mean of three sitting blood pressure readings of 145/95 or higher within a 10-day period History of or current asthma Occasional or daily use of albuterol or other beta-agonist inhalers Use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, nitrous oxide, methotrexate, 6 azauridine triacetate, or nitroglycerin within the 2 weeks prior to study entry Use of very large doses of folate, cyanocobalamine (vitamin B12), or pyridoxine (vitamin B6) as prescribed by a health care professional; individuals taking very large doses of these vitamins on a self-initiated basis may enter the study if they are willing to stop use 14 days prior to study entry and to use a standard generic multiple vitamin instead Pregnant or breastfeeding Required by the court to obtain treatment for cocaine dependence Not seeking treatment for cocaine dependence Anticipating elective surgery or hospitalization within 20 weeks of study entry Failure to have a consistent residence for the 4 weeks prior to study entry History of childhood or adult seizures Participated in cocaine treatment (clinical or research) within 30 days of study entry