Breakthrough: How Diabetes Drugs Addiction Treatment Offers New Hope
A man contacted neurologist Sue Grigson at Pennsylvania State University. He told her he stopped using drugs and alcohol for a long time. This happened while he was taking semaglutide, known as Ozempic and Wegovy. Similar accounts quickly appeared online and in clinics. People taking GLP-1 drugs for diabetes or obesity described reduced urges for smoking and drinking. They also had less desire to use drugs.
The scientific community soon supported these stories. For example, a recent clinical trial proved this link. Psychologist Christian Hendershot led the study at the University of Southern California. The trial found that weekly semaglutide shots lowered alcohol use. This was true for people with substance use disorder. Therefore, more than a dozen new clinical trials are starting worldwide. We expect initial results very soon.
How These Drugs Affect the Brain
GLP-1 receptors exist in brain areas that control craving and reward. Stimulating these receptors lowers dopamine signaling. Dopamine is linked to pleasure and reinforcement. As a result, rewarding experiences feel less compelling. This action is similar to how the drugs affect eating behavior. This suggests a shared biological pathway for substance and behavioral addictions.
In addition, animal research shows GLP-1 drugs can calm stress responses. Stress is often associated with relapse and withdrawal. This could make sustained abstinence easier. Researchers are now exploring these effects for other conditions. This includes depression and dementia.
The roots of this research started over ten years ago. Biologist Elisabet Jerlhag Holm showed GLP-1 therapies reduced cravings in animals. Her work initially received little attention. However, she later collaborated with Lorenzo Leggio. They found evidence linking GLP-1 biology to human alcohol dependence. Public interest finally surged in 2023. A magazine article highlighted patient reports of diminished addictive urges.
Current Research and Future Outlook
Early clinical trials showed mixed results. Older GLP-1 drugs, like exenatide, had little effect on heavy drinking. Newer and more potent drugs are now being tested. For example, liraglutide cut opioid cravings by about 40 percent in a small study. Brain imaging also showed lower activity in reward regions. These regions responded when participants viewed alcohol cues. Therefore, researchers shifted to testing semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Research is rapidly expanding today. A trial in Denmark on high-dose semaglutide has finished. Results for people with alcohol use disorder are expected in early 2026. US teams are testing both injectable and oral semaglutide. They track brain responses using functional MRI in moderate drinkers. Similar approaches target opioid addiction.
Researchers still urge caution about the field. Regulatory approval requires large trials. These trials must prove sustained reduction in substance use. They also need to show real-world health benefits. Most studies restrict enrollment to people who are overweight. This is due to the risk of unintended weight loss. Scientists must also determine if the benefits last after treatment ends.
