
Yet another study is supporting the notion that the blockbuster GLP-1 drug Ozempic can help problems drinkers curb their intake. The research found that, compared to placebo, weekly injections of semaglutide (also marketed for weight loss as Wegovy) helped reduce cravings in people with alcohol use disorders. The drug also seemed to reduce the quantity and frequency of alcohol intake, researchers said. There’s a real need for new approaches to treat alcoholism, said study lead author Christian Hendershot. He directs clinical research at the University of Southern California’s Institute for Addiction Research. “Two drugs currently approved to reduce alcohol consumption aren’t widely used,” Hendershot said in a university news release. “The popularity of Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists increases the chances of broad adoption of these treatments for alcohol use disorder.” His team published its findings Feb. 12 in JAMA Psychiatry. Links between GLP-1 meds and reductions in alcohol dependence aren’t new: Patients taking GLP-1s for diabetes or weight loss quickly realized their appetite for booze fell after commencing the therapy. However, Hendershot called the new study the first randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate this effect. The trial involved 48 adult problem drinkers who were otherwise not actively seeking treatment to cut down on their drinking. Female participants drank more than seven drinks per week, while men drank 14 or more weekly.… read on > read on >