Background
Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names for semaglutide, a GLP‑1 receptor agonist. While they are primarily used for obesity management and type 2 diabetes, researchers are beginning to explore whether these drugs might influence alcohol use disorders as well. In a small US study, investigators observed that some participants reduced their alcohol consumption while on semaglutide, prompting a closer look at potential clinical benefits beyond weight loss and glucose control.
The study in brief
In a double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial, 48 adults with alcohol dependence were recruited. Eligibility criteria included women consuming more than seven drinks per week and men more than 14, with at least two weekly heavy‑drinking episodes (e.g., more than four drinks for women, more than five for men). Half of the participants received a weekly injection of semaglutide over nine weeks, while the other half received a placebo. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received the active drug.
Design and participants
Randomization ensured that both groups were comparable at baseline. Two behavioral tasks measured responses to drinking cues: a 50‑minute session where participants could resist their preferred alcoholic drink in exchange for a cash incentive, and a separate two‑hour session that allowed drinking ad libitum. These pragmatic tasks aimed to simulate real‑world urges and assess self‑control in the presence of alcohol cues.
Primary outcomes
Overall nightly or weekly intake did not shift significantly with semaglutide compared with placebo. However, the study found a meaningful reduction in the amount consumed during drinking episodes among those treated with semaglutide, suggesting a dampening of heavy‑drinking intensity. Importantly, treated participants showed a greater ability to resist cravings and urges to drink during the cue‑exposure task relative to the placebo group.
Additional observations
An unexpected secondary finding emerged in a subgroup of current smokers: those who received semaglutide were more likely to attempt smoking cessation than their counterparts on placebo. This co‑occurrence aligns with prior research hinting that GLP‑1 receptor agonists may influence multiple addictive behaviors, potentially through shared reward pathways in the brain.
What might explain the effect?
Semaglutide belongs to the GLP‑1 family, which mimics an intestinal hormone involved in appetite and insulin regulation. Its mechanism in addiction treatment is not yet fully understood, but scientists hypothesize that GLP‑1 medications could alter brain reward circuits, reducing the perceived pleasure associated with alcohol or nicotine. The result would be a lowered tendency to binge during episodes and a heightened ability to resist temptations in cue‑provoking situations.
Limitations and next steps
As a small study with 48 participants, the results are preliminary and not generalizable to all individuals with alcohol dependence. The trial duration was nine weeks, and safety concerns or longer‑term effects could not be fully assessed. Larger, more diverse studies are needed to confirm efficacy, understand potential side effects, and determine whether effects persist with longer treatment or in those with more severe dependence.
Implications for care
These initial findings open a line of inquiry into whether semaglutide and related GLP‑1 therapies could complement existing treatments for alcohol use disorders. If future research corroborates these signals, clinicians might consider GLP‑1 receptor agonists as part of a broader, integrative approach to reducing heavy drinking and supporting recovery while monitoring risks and individual patient factors.
As always, patients should not alter or discontinue established treatments without consulting their healthcare provider. Ongoing research will clarify where Wegovy, Ozempic, and semaglutide fit within the spectrum of alcohol dependence care.
