How Could Obesity Drugs Help with Alcohol Cravings? New Study Suggests Potential

Title How Could Obesity Drugs Help with Alcohol Cravings? New Study Suggests Potential

A groundbreaking government-funded study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that medications used to treat obesity may also be effective in reducing alcohol cravings. The research, which explored the potential benefits of semaglutide, a hormone-mimicking drug, has sparked hope for new treatments for addiction.

The study recruited 48 adults with symptoms of alcohol use disorder who were not seeking treatment at the time. Half the participants received weekly injections of semaglutide, while the other half received a placebo. Over a nine-week period, participants tracked their drinking habits and desire for alcohol. The results showed promise nearly 40% of those receiving semaglutide reported no heavy drinking days, compared to 20% in the placebo group. Moreover, the semaglutide group consumed roughly half as much alcohol on average as those who received the placebo.

These findings are consistent with evidence from animal studies and anecdotal reports suggesting that drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can be effective in managing cravings for substances other than food. Researchers are currently investigating these medications in smokers, individuals with opioid addiction, and cocaine users. The study's results suggest that these medications may have a broader role in treating addictions beyond obesity.

While the study is encouraging, experts caution that it is still too early to determine the safety of using these drugs for people without weight-related issues. Further research is needed to confirm the findings and assess potential risks and benefits.

The study provides valuable insights into the potential role of this new class of medications in treating certain addictions, said Dr. Lorenzo Leggio, an NIH researcher leading a 20-week trial of semaglutide for alcohol use disorder now underway in Baltimore. It is essential to note that larger, randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

The results are promising but not surprising, given the well-established role of hormones like GLP-1 in regulating appetite and metabolism, said Dr. Klara Klein, a study co-author from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We frequently hear anecdotal reports that once people start taking these medications, their desire to drink is significantly reduced, if not completely abolished.

In conclusion, the study suggests that obesity drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may be effective in managing cravings for alcohol and potentially other substances. While further research is necessary to confirm the findings, the results offer new hope for treating addiction.

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