Recent research suggests that semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs may offer therapeutic benefits in treating addiction to opioids and alcohol. Semaglutide, the active compound in well-known medications Ozempic and Wegovy, has garnered attention for its potential ability to aid individuals in overcoming dependencies on these substances.
GLP-1 drugs have been effectively utilized in the management of type 2 diabetes for nearly two decades and have recently transformed obesity treatment, proving to be significantly more effective than diet and exercise alone, according to clinical trials. Researchers are now investigating whether GLP-1s can also diminish cravings for harmful substances such as opioids and alcohol. While the body of evidence has largely been based on animal studies, anecdotal accounts, and small-scale studies involving GLP-1 users, newly published research in the journal Addiction explores a broader scope of potential benefits for substance use disorders.
This study analyzed medical records from over half a million individuals with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD) and more than 800,000 with alcohol use disorder (AUD). It tracked the outcomes for those prescribed GLP-1 drugs over a period of up to two years. The findings revealed a clear association between GLP-1 use and reduced symptoms of substance use disorders. Individuals with OUD who were prescribed GLP-1s for other conditions had a 40% lower likelihood of experiencing an opioid overdose, while those with AUD on GLP-1 therapy were 50% less likely to have an episode of alcohol intoxication. This risk reduction was consistent across common patient groups prescribed GLP-1s, such as those with type 2 diabetes or obesity.
Similar positive patterns between GLP-1 usage and decreased drug-related issues have been identified in other recent studies. However, this comprehensive study, encompassing data from over 130 health systems, is among the largest of its kind. Its authors aimed to quantify the potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs in mitigating drug-related symptoms, proposing that these drugs could significantly impact the treatment of substance use disorders, much like their role in obesity management.
The study’s authors indicated that these findings could have substantial implications for clinical practice and public health policy. They recommend that future research focus on prospective clinical trials to confirm the results, explore underlying mechanisms, and assess the long-term efficacy and safety of GIP/GLP-1 RA medications across diverse populations.
Ultimately, while accumulating evidence is essential, these studies alone cannot conclusively establish GLP-1 drugs as a treatment for substance use disorders at this stage. Clinical trials testing semaglutide for alcoholism are currently in progress, and further trials for opioid use disorder are anticipated. If these trials validate existing findings, GLP-1s could become an important treatment option for individuals facing drug addiction, particularly for those who may not benefit from current medications.
