Protocol · Addiction & Recovery
Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery Support Protocol
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and B Vitamins (High-Dose Complex) are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · 2 graded
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | Amount listed: 1,200–2,400 mg daily in divided doses | Modulates glutamate; may reduce cravings and support recovery by restoring brain chemistry | Not graded yet | |
| B Vitamins (High-Dose Complex) | Amount listed: B-complex with thiamine 100 mg, B6 50 mg, B12 1,000 mcg, folate 800 mcg daily | Essential for nervous system repair; chronic alcohol use depletes B vitamins, especially thiamine (B1) | Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Milk Thistle (Silymarin) | Amount listed: 420–600 mg silymarin daily in divided doses | Hepatoprotective; supports liver recovery from alcohol-related damage | Not graded yet | |
| L-Carnitine | Amount listed: 1–2 g daily | Supports energy metabolism; may help with alcohol-related fatty liver and cognitive recovery
| Grade C for Alcohol Dependence Symptoms1 study · 64 people | |
| Curcumin | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg enhanced-absorption curcumin daily | Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective; may reduce alcohol-induced liver and brain inflammation
| Grade C for Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile48 people | |
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily (higher if deficient) | Often depleted by chronic alcohol use; supports nervous system and reduces withdrawal symptoms | Not graded yet | |
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Deficiency common in alcoholism; zinc supports immune function and liver metabolism | Not graded yet | |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily | Support brain recovery; anti-inflammatory effects may help heal alcohol-damaged tissues | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (test and treat deficiency) | Deficiency common in alcoholism; supports bone health and immune function | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an inability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences. It ranges from mild to severe based on how many symptoms are present. Recovery involves more than just stopping drinking - it requires addressing the physical damage alcohol causes, replenishing depleted nutrients, supporting brain recovery, and preventing relapse. Chronic alcohol use damages the liver, brain, and depletes essential nutrients.
CRITICAL: Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening - seizures and delirium tremens can occur. Do NOT stop drinking abruptly without medical supervision if you've been drinking heavily. Medical detox may be necessary. FDA-approved medications for AUD include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. Evidence-based behavioral treatments (CBT, motivational interviewing, 12-step programs) are essential. These supplements support recovery but don't treat AUD itself. Work with addiction medicine specialists.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)* modulates glutamate in the brain, which becomes dysregulated with chronic alcohol use. Studies suggest NAC may help reduce cravings and support recovery by restoring brain chemistry balance.
B Vitamins* are critical - alcohol depletes B vitamins, especially thiamine (B1). Thiamine deficiency can cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious brain disorder. High-dose B vitamins support nervous system repair during recovery.
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)* is hepatoprotective and helps the liver recover from alcohol-related damage. It's one of the most studied herbs for liver support.
L-Carnitine* supports energy metabolism and may help with alcohol-related fatty liver disease.
Curcumin* has anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects that may help reduce alcohol-induced inflammation in the liver and brain.
Magnesium* is often severely depleted by chronic alcohol use. Deficiency contributes to withdrawal symptoms, tremors, and insomnia. Repletion is important for nervous system recovery.
Zinc* deficiency is common in alcoholism and contributes to liver dysfunction and immune suppression. Supplementation supports liver healing.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* support brain recovery and have anti-inflammatory effects that may help repair alcohol-damaged tissues.
Vitamin D* deficiency is common in people with AUD. It supports bone health (alcohol increases osteoporosis risk) and immune function.
Expected timeline: Nutrient repletion begins immediately but full restoration takes months. Brain recovery can take 6-12 months or longer. Liver recovery varies depending on damage severity. Craving reduction with NAC may be noticed within weeks.