Researchers develop 'meth pill' that reduces drug cravings

Perth researchers have developed a world first pill to help meth and prescription drug users beat their addiction.

The new drug, N-Acetyl Cysteine or simply NAC, is already proving to help reduce cravings and get young lives back on track.

Taylor Pugh, a former methamphetamine user, is one of many who are welcoming the pill with open arms.

The 24-year-old almost died following his spiralling addiction.

His mother says the prospect of a simple pill treating meth addiction could be life-changing.

“Having a tablet or something they can take that is going to reduce those cravings – absolutely astronomical,” Lina Pugh said.

Australian researchers are now hoping NAC can help addicts like Mr Pugh.

“N-Acetyl Cysteine, or NAC as we like to call it for short, is a drug which can restore balance to the brain systems that are disrupted in addiction,” Professor Rebecca McKetin of the National Drug Research Institute said.

A trial involving 180 addicts will take place in Melbourne, Wollongong and Geelong, where patients will take the drug at home for 12 weeks.

It’s estimated one in 100 Australians have used methamphetamine in the last 12 months – totalling nearly 250,000 people.

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Fashion designer Aurelio Costarella, who has made dresses for global stars like Rihanna, has been using NAC for two months to battle his addiction to prescription drugs.

“What it’s done for me is it’s dampened a lot of the withdrawal symptoms that I’ve been experiencing, so the headaches haven’t been as bad as they were,” he said.