A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), may offer a potential therapeutic benefit in managing alcohol use disorder (AUD). The research, conducted on a large cohort in Sweden, revealed a correlation between the use of these drugs and a decreased risk of hospitalization for alcohol-related issues.
The study, led by Dr. Markku Lähdeenvuo from Niuvanniemi Hospital in Finland, analyzed medical records of approximately 228,000 individuals diagnosed with AUD between 2006 and 2023. All participants also had either obesity or type 2 diabetes. The findings showed that individuals taking GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide, experienced fewer hospitalizations for AUD.
Impact on Alcohol-Related Hospitalizations
Of the participants, roughly 4,300 were taking semaglutide, and this group experienced approximately 220 hospitalizations for alcohol use disorder. Researchers counted total hospitalizations, acknowledging that some individuals may have been hospitalized multiple times. While hospitalization is an imperfect measure, experts consider it a significant indicator of severe alcohol-related complications, such as withdrawal or poisoning.
Potential Mechanisms of Action
The precise mechanism by which GLP-1 drugs may influence alcohol consumption is still under investigation. One theory suggests that these drugs, known for inducing a feeling of fullness, may reduce cravings for both food and alcohol. "They may also reduce the rewarding effects of drugs," said Christian Hendershot, director of clinical research at the University of Southern California Institute for Addiction Science.
Another hypothesis, proposed by Dr. Lähdeenvuo, is that GLP-1 drugs may reduce the appeal of sugary beverages, including alcohol. It is also noted that newer GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide enter the brain differently than older versions, suggesting that both should be tested moving forward, according to Alex DiFeliceantonio, an assistant professor at Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute.
Context of Current AUD Treatments
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 28 million adults in the U.S. have alcohol addiction. However, only three medications are currently approved for its treatment, and relapse rates remain high. "The pharmacological treatments available for AUD are not very good, and relapse is really common," said DiFeliceantonio.
Prior Research and Future Directions
Previous research, including a clinical trial published in 2022, found that exenatide, an older GLP-1 drug, reduced drinking among individuals with both AUD and obesity. The current study adds further evidence to the potential of GLP-1 agonists in treating addiction.
While GLP-1 drugs are generally considered safe for individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, Hendershot cautioned that they could pose safety risks for those without these conditions, primarily due to the potential for significant weight loss. Early research has also explored GLP-1 drugs for nicotine and opioid addiction, with varying degrees of success.
Expert Opinions
Experts emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the potential of GLP-1 agonists in treating AUD. "Anything we can do to study other medications, including GLP-1 agonists, is critically important for our field," said Hendershot, highlighting the limited number of FDA-approved medications currently available for AUD treatment.
Mounting research shows GLP-1 agonists warrant a closer look, especially for alcohol addiction.
"We’ve known for some time from animal studies that GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce alcohol intake and motivation to consume alcohol," said Christian Hendershot, director of clinical research at the University of Southern California Institute for Addiction Science.
