Recent studies suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, may effectively help reduce alcohol cravings in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Despite the promising findings from a small group of 48 adults over two months, health experts caution regarding the safety of these medications for individuals not seeking weight loss. The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry and funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, highlights the potential of these drugs, originally intended for treating obesity, to assist with cravings for substances like tobacco and alcohol.
This is such promising data. And we need more of it," said study co-author Dr. Klara Klein, who treats patients with diabetes and obesity.
The new study looked at one of these drugs, semaglutide, which is the drug in Ozempic and Wegovy.
For the new study, researchers recruited people who reported symptoms of alcohol use disorder, such as difficulty controlling their drinking.
Experts say it's not yet clear how safe these drugs are for people who don't need to lose weight.
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