^{Weight loss drugs and addiction: Study shows GLP-1 may help reduce overdose risks – ABC7 Los Angeles}

Overview

A recent study has uncovered a surprising benefit of popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. While these medications are widely used for managing diabetes and obesity, researchers now suggest they may also help in reducing alcohol addiction. Published on Wednesday in JAMA Psychiatry, this study from Sweden explored the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, on individuals with alcohol-use disorder. The findings reveal that people taking these drugs experienced a reduced risk of hospitalization due to alcohol-related issues.

What the Study Found

In this large-scale study, researchers examined health records of over 133,000 individuals hospitalized for alcohol addiction between January 2006 and December 2023. Among these, about 4,500 patients who were taking semaglutide—marketed under the brands Ozempic and Wegovy—had the lowest risk of hospitalization due to alcohol-related incidents. Another 2,500 patients using liraglutide (brands Victoza and Saxenda) also showed a reduced risk, although slightly less than those on semaglutide.

The study’s findings are promising, indicating that these drugs may impact not only weight loss but also addictive behaviors. This raises new possibilities for addressing alcohol-use disorder through medications already widely prescribed for other health issues. Researchers not involved in the study, like Lorenzo Leggio from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), were cautiously optimistic. He stated, “These medications are very promising, but we haven’t really reached the point to say, ‘Yes, they work.’ They may work.”

Why This Discovery Matters

In the United States, nearly 29 million people suffer from alcohol addiction, but only a small percentage—around 2%—receive treatment. Alcohol-related deaths are alarmingly high, surpassing even opioid-related fatalities. With limited effective treatments available, this discovery may offer a new pathway for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence.

The potential impact of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy on reducing alcohol abuse could also inspire further studies. Leggio and other experts caution that more research is required to confirm these effects. Still, these findings highlight the potential of GLP-1 drugs as an unexpected resource in the fight against alcohol addiction.

Comparing Ozempic and Wegovy with Current Alcohol Addiction Medications

Today, alcohol addiction is primarily treated with three FDA-approved drugs: disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone. Each works differently but comes with its own limitations. Disulfiram, for instance, can cause unpleasant reactions when drinking alcohol, acting as a deterrent. Acamprosate helps reduce cravings, while naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol. However, these medications are not effective for everyone and can come with side effects.

In contrast, the study noted that individuals taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy showed fewer hospitalizations compared to those on traditional alcohol addiction medications. This is a significant finding, although experts advise against using these drugs for alcohol-use disorder without more definitive evidence.

Other Studies Supporting This Hypothesis

This isn’t the first time researchers have noted the potential of GLP-1 drugs in treating addiction. A 2022 study of 127 individuals found that another GLP-1 drug, exenatide, reduced drinking among obese patients. Additionally, experiments on animals suggested similar outcomes, with rodents consuming less alcohol when treated with these drugs. However, researchers caution that animal studies do not always translate to humans.

A Closer Look at GLP-1 Drugs: How Do They Work?

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are designed to mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone. This hormone is involved in regulating insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels, and helps in weight management by curbing appetite. Interestingly, GLP-1 also affects dopamine pathways in the brain, which are linked to addiction. By reducing the reward sensation typically associated with addictive behaviors, GLP-1 drugs may be helpful in curbing excessive alcohol consumption.

Sarah Church, a clinical psychologist and executive director of Wholeview Wellness in New York City, emphasized the need for more robust research. “It is critical for us to get the results of a randomized controlled trial that compares GLP-1s to the other FDA-approved medications for alcohol addiction before we jump to conclusions,” she said.

Future of Research and Potential Implications

To better understand the effects of GLP-1 drugs on alcohol addiction, Leggio’s team at the NIAAA and NIDA has launched a randomized controlled trial. In this study, participants struggling with alcohol addiction are assigned either semaglutide or a placebo. This study, which aims to follow patients for five months, may provide a clearer picture of how effective these drugs could be as a treatment for alcohol addiction. Results are expected in 2026, so it may be some time before we know if Ozempic or Wegovy could be officially recommended for this purpose.

Wrapping up

While it’s still early to conclude that Ozempic and Wegovy can replace existing treatments for alcohol addiction, the findings are exciting. If further research confirms these benefits, people struggling with alcohol addiction might have new hope in a medication that’s already widely available for weight loss and diabetes. For now, the research community awaits more evidence, but there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon for those affected by alcohol-use disorder.

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