Researchers have been exploring whether glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, could help treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). A long-term study with over 8 years of follow-up found that people using these drugs had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization for AUD compared to those on officially approved AUD treatments. This suggests that GLP-1 agonists may effectively reduce alcohol-related harm, particularly among patients with AUD who also have obesity or type 2 diabetes.Â
While GLP-1 drugs are already well-known for their ability to treat diabetes and obesity, their potential applications continue to expand. In 2022, the FDA approved Wegovy, a GLP-1 drug from Novo Nordisk, to lower the risk of serious heart issues in adults who were obese or overweight. Now, researchers are turning their attention to addiction treatment, highlighting the urgent need for clinical trials to confirm these promising findings.
How do GLP-1 drugs treat addiction?
At first, it might seem surprising that a drug used for diabetes and weight loss could help treat addiction. However, studies, personal reports, and other findings suggest these drugs could help reduce drug use and cravings by affecting reward pathways in the brain, lowering stress, and improving thinking and decision-making.
The exact way GLP-1 drugs help with addiction isn’t fully understood, but two areas in the brain, the ventral tegmental area, and the nucleus accumbens, have GLP-1 receptors. Researchers believe GLP-1 drugs target these receptors to reduce addictive behaviors.
A promising long-term study
In November 2024, a study in JAMA Psychiatry caught attention by suggesting that the popular medications Ozempic and Wegovy might also be used to help treat alcohol use disorder. The study examined the medical records of 227,868 people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder between 2006 and 2021. Out of this group, 4,321 used semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, while 2,509 used liraglutide, an older GLP-1 medication. The researchers found that people taking these drugs were less likely to be hospitalized for issues related to alcohol use disorder compared to those who didn’t take them.
Using semaglutide was linked to a 36% lower chance of being hospitalized, while liraglutide reduced the risk by 28%. In comparison, naltrexone, a drug approved for treating opioid and alcohol addiction, only lowered the risk of hospitalization by 14%. This suggests that these drugs might work better than the medications currently approved to treat alcohol addiction. 
GLP-1 drugs don’t just help with alcohol addiction; they may help with other kinds of addiction, too. A study from September 2024 found that people with type 2 diabetes and opioid use disorder who took semaglutide had a lower risk of opioid overdose. Another study showed that semaglutide was linked to less regular tobacco use in smokers with type 2 diabetes. These patients also needed fewer healthcare services to help with quitting smoking.
Current available treatments for alcohol use disorder
There are currently only three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat alcohol use disorder: acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram. Other options supported by research include Neurontin and Topamax. All these medications come in pill form, and naltrexone is also available as an extended-release injection. Studies have also explored the use of psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine combined with therapy. These treatments may help reduce heavy drinking and increase alcohol-free days, but more research is needed to confirm how effective they are to treat alcohol use disorder.
Behavioral treatment for alcohol use disorder is often provided in specialized programs for addiction. These treatments usually involve steps like assessing the patient, providing personalized feedback, using motivational interviewing, setting goals, creating action plans, tracking progress, teaching problem-solving, and managing or preventing relapses.
So what’s next for semaglutide?
The idea of using GLP-1 drugs to treat addiction is gaining attention, and major pharmaceutical companies are starting to notice. Two of the biggest players, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, who developed the popular GLP-1 medications for diabetes and weight control, are now exploring this new potential.
Novo is running a phase 2 trial to see if semaglutide, along with two other drugs, can help treat alcoholic liver disease. The main goal of the trial is to see how well it works on liver damage, but they’re also checking if it affects how much alcohol people drink. The company hasn’t shared any major results from this study yet. It started in May last year and is expected to finish in January 2026.
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of diabetes treatment Mounjaro and obesity treatment Zepbound, has announced plans to test GLP-1 drugs for treating addiction. The company had been exploring this idea for over a year before CEO David Ricks confirmed in December that they would start large studies on alcohol and drug abuse in 2025. These studies aim to confirm earlier research showing these drugs could help in this area.
Clinical trials will also need to look at whether GLP-1 drugs are safe to treat Alcohol Use Disorder in people who don’t have obesity or diabetes. The weight loss caused by these drugs might actually harm some people.
Scientists are running more trials to see if GLP-1 drugs can treat other conditions like heart failure, sleep apnea, advanced fatty liver disease, and heart problems. These studies could reveal even more about what these drugs can do, and so far, their potential seems limitless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does semaglutide reduce fatty liver?
The SLIM LIVER study revealed that a six-month course of semaglutide led to a 31% reduction in liver fat in people with HIV, but more research is needed to confirm these findings and assess its efficacy in reducing liver fat in other groups.
Why are hangovers so bad on Ozempic?
Food and beverages stay in your stomach for a longer time when taking Ozempic. If mixed with alcohol, this can lead to digestive issues like nausea or vomiting. The delayed stomach emptying caused by Ozempic, combined with its impact on blood sugar levels, may increase the likelihood of experiencing a hangover when alcohol is consumed.
How to stop craving for alcohol?
Depending on the situation, choose something to distract yourself that is quick, moderately time-consuming, or longer-lasting. Ideas include reaching out to a friend, watching a short video, exercising to music, taking a shower, practicing meditation, going for a walk, or diving into a favorite hobby.
How many drinks a day is considered an alcoholic?
The following drinking habits are classified as heavy drinking, which significantly raises the risk of developing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and other alcohol-related issues: For women, regularly consuming four or more drinks in a single day or eight or more drinks in a week. For men, regularly consuming five or more drinks in a single day or 15 or more drinks in a week.
How long does it take to detox alcohol?
The length of alcohol withdrawal varies from person to person and is influenced by the frequency and amount of alcohol consumption. Physical withdrawal symptoms typically reach their peak 48 to 72 hours after the final drink and usually subside within 7 to 10 days, though in some cases, they may persist for up to two weeks.
