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NAC Supplement - IT WORKS!!!
This is where I remind you that I am NOT A DOCTOR (or a salesman). But if you suffer from this disorder like I do, I really think it's worth your time to research this.
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NAC, short for N-acetylcysteine, is a supplemental antioxidant. It protects the liver, prevents hangovers, and improves cellular function in the brain. It's been experimentally used to treat OCD and anxiety, and has shown some improvement in patients with trichotillomania!
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I have EXTREME dermatillomania. I've been destroying my skin for as long as I can remember. I was so desperate to stop, I would've been happy to take something just for the placebo effect. So I figured I'd give it a go. I bought some Now brand NAC supplements online, and started at a low dose once every other day. It takes a while for any kind of vitamin to take effect so I was cautious.
After about a month I noticed a slightly reduced urge to pick, or it was at least easier to walk away from the mirror once I'd started. It wasn't until I stopped taking NAC that I noticed the difference. Just a few days without and I was pulling scabs off, picking healthy skin, spacing out for 20min to an hour while I tore myself apart.
So I kept taking it. Every day like a vitamin.
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I've been experimenting with it for about 2 years now. And I really think it works. Yes, I still pick a little. I pop pimples, and nervously scratch my arms. But I can tell that it's helped when I look in the mirror. I used to be covered in scars. Now my chest is clear, my shoulders are clear. I can wear tank tops and low cut shirts without looking disfigured. And this is without any CBT. It may not be 100% effective on its own, but this is the best result I've seen in my life.
I'm finally in the healing stage.
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I know this is a new area of study, and the supplements can be scary. But I really want people to know about it, so I'm sharing my story. Do some research about it. Ask your doctor if it's safe for you. And maybe give it a shot.
What dosage do you take each day? The dosage amount is an important factor. I have talked with a psychiatrist about NAC and he said that from his experience with patients who pick, NAC doesn't work for everyone. Some people do get massive benefit just like you, but others don't experience much of a difference. He said that studies on NAC and skin picking seem too good to be true,that from what he sees with his patients the benefits are not usually dramatic. Only a few can benefit greately from the supplement. Still, it is worth a try, some users on this site might be the lucky few who benefit from it. As for myself, NAC does help some....seems to relax me a bit overall. What helps me more is working on my overall mental health and self identity, along with exercise and finding joy in daily life.
I've read 600 mg daily for acne and related issues, but it might be higher for psych related picking.
I used NAC for a few months...Now brand, and noted less pain and my skin seemed to improve. I had to go off it because I had lots of stomach discomfort. I tried it again, stomach discomfort returned. I've been off it for a while and might try it next month after I see the rheumy for other issues.
I've read 600 mg daily for acne and related issues, but it might be higher for psych related picking.
I used NAC for a few months...Now brand, and noted less pain and my skin seemed to improve. I had to go off it because I had lots of stomach discomfort. I tried it again, stomach discomfort returned. I've been off it for a while and might try it next month after I see the rheumy for other issues.