Weight loss medicines like Ozempic could treat alcohol and drug addiction, new research suggests

Weight loss medicines such as Ozempic and Wegovy, typically prescribed for obesity and type 2 diabetes, may have a surprising new application: treating drug and alcohol addiction. According to research led by Dr Lorenzo Leggio from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), these therapies, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, show promise in both animal and human studies for reducing substance use and cravings. Preclinical studies in rodents have demonstrated decreased alcohol, heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and nicotine consumption, while early human trials indicate potential reductions in alcohol intake and cravings. Experts stress that more research is needed to confirm these findings.


Evidence from early human trials with weight loss medicine
Small clinical trials have begun to explore the impact of weight loss medicines, specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists, on addiction. For instance, a low-dose semaglutide trial demonstrated reduced alcohol consumption and cravings among participants with alcohol use disorder. Although exenatide, an earlier GLP-1 drug, showed limited effects on alcohol intake overall, secondary analyses indicated some reductions in alcohol consumption among certain individuals. Researchers are optimistic but stress that more extensive, long-term studies are required to determine the full efficacy and safety of these treatments for human addiction.


How GLP-1 receptor agonists work
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and exenatide, are designed to regulate appetite and support weight loss. Dr Leggio explains that these drugs also impact neurobiological pathways associated with addiction, which may help curb cravings for alcohol and drugs. Obesity and addictive behaviors share overlapping neurocircuitry mechanisms, and GLP-1 therapies appear to modulate these pathways, potentially addressing both overeating and substance misuse simultaneously. Preclinical evidence has shown reduced self-administration and relapse-like behavior in rodents exposed to alcohol, opioids, and nicotine.

Eligibility and current use of weight loss medicines
Currently, weight loss medicines such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are primarily prescribed for obesity or type 2 diabetes under strict clinical guidelines. Eligibility in the UK typically includes patients with a BMI over 30, or over 27 with weight-related conditions, while Mounjaro is available to patients with BMI 40 or above (or 37.5 for minority ethnic groups) along with multiple weight-related health conditions. These therapies are rationed to patients most in need, and GLP-1 medicines are separately prescribed by GPs for type 2 diabetes.


Optimism for future addiction treatments
Despite the need for larger studies, researchers remain hopeful about the potential of GLP-1 therapies. Preclinical rodent trials have shown reductions in nicotine and opioid cravings, and early human studies suggest benefits in lowering alcohol consumption. Dr Leggio emphasizes the urgency of developing more effective interventions, noting that current treatments for substance use disorders are limited and often inadequate. If future trials confirm these findings, weight loss medicines could become a novel tool in the fight against drug and alcohol addiction, helping millions live healthier lives.