US EditionGLP-1 drugs may fight addiction across every major substance, according to a study of 600,000 people
A study of over 600,000 U.S. veterans found GLP-1 receptor agonists lowered addiction risks by up to 25% and reduced severe outcomes like overdoses and deaths.
- On March 4, a BMJ analysis of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs electronic health records found GLP-1 use tied to lower risk of substance use disorders in 606,434 U.S. veterans with type 2 diabetes.
- Researchers pursued the question after patient reports and animal studies suggested GLP-1 receptors cluster in brain reward circuitry and GLP-1 drugs reduce craving.
- In patients already with addictions, GLP-1 use was linked to 50% fewer deaths, 39% fewer overdoses, and roughly 12 fewer serious events per 1,000 people over three years.
- While not approved for addiction, randomized clinical trials are underway and researchers say, if confirmed, effects could close treatment gaps and benefit millions of GLP-1 users.
- The study has limits: it was observational within the VA health system population, mostly older, white, male, with unmeasured confounding and comparator choice; randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm causality.
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UpstractPopular Weight-Loss Drugs May Also Treat Addiction
Drugs best known for treating diabetes and obesity may also dampen the powerful cravings that drive addiction. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report that medications in the GLP-1 class may help both prevent and treat substance use disorders across a wide range of addictive drugs. Their findings suggest these medications [...]
GLP‑1 drugs may fight addiction across every major substance, according to a study of 600,000 people
People struggling with many addictions, ranging from opioids to gambling, are reporting similar experiences in clinics, on social media and around dinner tables.
Similar medicines from GLP-1, such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, used specifically in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, can reduce by 14% the risk of developing disorders by use of substances, including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine and opioids. They can also reduce the risk of overdose, hospitalization or death in people who have already been exposed to illegal substances, according to a study published in the British Medi…
Ozempic and others become hopefuls in addiction therapy. Patients consume less intoxicants thanks to the preparations. Their risk of developing dependence also decreases. How the agents work in the brain.
Anti-obesity drugs seem to reduce the risk of addictions. Diabetes medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, also used to treat diabetes...
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