The surge in popularity of weight-loss drugs targeting the GLP-1 hormone has revealed additional health benefits beyond weight management. These medications not only aid in shedding pounds but also reduce the risk of heart disease and sleep apnea—leading the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to acknowledge these advantages by updating drug labels.
Now, a new study suggests these drugs may also help curb alcohol addiction. Research published on Feb. 12 in JAMA Psychiatry indicates that semaglutide—marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy—can reduce alcohol cravings and consumption among individuals with alcohol-use disorder.
Study Findings on Alcohol Reduction
The clinical trial included 48 participants diagnosed with alcohol-use disorder. For men, this condition is defined as consuming more than 14 drinks per week with at least two instances of heavy drinking; for women, the threshold is seven drinks weekly with similar binge episodes. None of the participants were undergoing treatment for alcohol dependence, and most were overweight or obese.
Researchers divided participants into two groups: one received weekly injections of semaglutide, while the other was given a placebo. Over a 2.5-month period, scientists tracked differences in drinking patterns and consumption levels.
A key aspect of the study involved a controlled setting designed to resemble a living room, where participants could relax, watch TV, and consume as much of their preferred alcoholic beverages as desired within a two-hour window. Researchers recorded their drinking behavior at the start of the study—before administering the drug or placebo—and again at the study’s conclusion. Weekly check-ins provided further insight into participants’ alcohol intake.
Significant but Unexpected Results
While the frequency of drinking days remained unchanged between the two groups, those receiving semaglutide consumed less alcohol overall by the end of the study.
Lead researcher Christian Hendershot, a professor of population and public health science and director of clinical research at the USC Institute for Addiction Science, explained that the drug may have dampened alcohol’s appeal in a manner similar to its effect on food cravings in weight-loss patients. “These medications don’t make people stop eating altogether, but they reduce the urge to eat by promoting satiety,” he said. “I think this is very much analogous.”
Hendershot anticipated some effect on alcohol consumption but was surprised by the magnitude of the results, particularly at low doses. GLP-1 drugs influence brain regions associated with reward and satiety, and previous animal studies suggested they might also mitigate addiction-related behaviors. Anecdotal reports from patients taking semaglutide for diabetes or weight loss had hinted at reduced alcohol cravings, but this study provides early clinical evidence.
Future Implications and Caution
The reduction in alcohol consumption observed in the study was comparable to the effects of existing FDA-approved treatments for alcohol-use disorder, such as naltrexone. However, these treatments remain underutilized due to stigma and lack of awareness.
While the findings are promising, Hendershot cautioned against off-label use of GLP-1 medications for alcohol-use disorder at this stage. “We know some physicians are prescribing GLP-1 receptor agonists off-label for this purpose, but it’s best to stick with FDA-approved treatments until more research is available,” he advised. Larger clinical trials will be necessary to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosing for treating addiction.
Additional research is also needed to explore whether newer weight-loss drugs targeting multiple hormones—such as tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound—could yield even greater benefits for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence.
“Right now, the data presents a consistent picture across animal studies and early human trials of GLP-1’s potential effect on alcohol-use disorder,” Hendershot said. “The next step is conducting larger clinical trials to solidify our understanding.”
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