Semaglutide, a drug commonly prescribed for diabetes and obesity, has shown promise in reducing alcohol consumption in people who have alcohol use disorder (AUD). For years, individuals using semaglutide for weight loss and blood sugar control have reported drinking less alcohol, sparking interest in its potential to treat addiction. Recent research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, has shed light on its impact, demonstrating that semaglutide can reduce alcohol cravings and consumption in individuals who meet the criteria for AUD.
In a controlled clinical trial, participants who had signs of alcohol use disorder were given either semaglutide or a placebo for two months. The results were promising: those taking semaglutide drank significantly less alcohol compared to those who took the placebo. Specifically, participants in the semaglutide group consumed nearly two fewer drinks on average than the placebo group in a monitored two-hour session where they had access to alcohol. In addition, those on semaglutide reported fewer alcohol cravings, fewer drinking days, and less binge drinking.
The trial involved 48 participants, aged around 40, who were not actively seeking treatment for AUD but met the diagnostic criteria. Participants were either male or female, with women drinking at least seven drinks per week and men drinking at least 14. Additionally, both groups reported binge drinking episodes in the previous month, with women having four or more drinks on at least two occasions and men having five or more drinks on similar occasions.
During the study, each participant spent 120 minutes in a controlled setting where they were invited to drink their preferred alcoholic beverages but were instructed to delay drinking if they wished. The primary outcome measured was the amount of alcohol consumed during this session. Participants who received semaglutide drank, on average, 34 grams of alcohol, while the placebo group consumed 57 grams. Breathalyzer tests also showed a lower blood alcohol concentration in the semaglutide group, with an average of 0.052 g/dL compared to 0.092 g/dL in the placebo group.
The study also found that semaglutide had a positive impact on weight loss. Those who took the medication lost an average of 5% of their body weight, while the placebo group lost only 0.2%. This weight loss effect aligns with semaglutide’s primary use for weight management, further suggesting the drug’s broader potential for addressing various health issues.
Although the results are encouraging, experts caution that more research is needed to fully understand semaglutide’s effectiveness and safety in treating alcohol use disorder. The study’s sample size was small, and further large-scale trials will be necessary to confirm these findings and determine how semaglutide may be integrated into addiction treatment regimens. Additionally, while no serious adverse events were reported, longer-term studies will be crucial in assessing potential risks and side effects.
The promising findings of this study provide hope that semaglutide, along with other GLP-1 medications, could one day become part of a comprehensive treatment plan for alcohol use disorder. These drugs may help fill a critical gap in addiction therapies, offering a new approach for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence. However, experts emphasize that while these results are promising, more research is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide as an alcohol use disorder treatment option.
