Study Links Ozempic to Reduced Hospitalization Risk for Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder
Published in JAMA Psychiatry, a recent study found that patients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who were given a GLP-1 drug were less likely to be hospitalized for alcohol-related issues.
AUD: A Growing Concern
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 28 million adults in the U.S. suffer from AUD. Only three medications are currently approved for the treatment of AUD, and expert opinion maintains these options are not suitable for all patients, and relapse is commonplace.
GLP-1 Drugs: A New Hope
GLP-1 drugs treat diabetes and stimulate weight loss by mimicking the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which signals the body that it is full. The study found that semaglutide (Ozempic) and liraglutide (Victoza) lowered the hospitalization risk by 22% and 21%, respectively.
Study Findings
The study analyzed the medical records of 228,000 people diagnosed with AUD from 2006 to 2023. All of these patients also had obesity or Type 2 diabetes. Over the course of the study, 60% of participants were hospitalized for alcohol use, but alcohol-related hospitalizations were dramatically lower among people who took a GLP-1 drug.
Conclusion
The study suggests that GLP-1 agonists may also help in the treatment of alcohol and substance use disorders. While more research is needed, the findings offer hope to those burdened by addiction. As study leader Dr. Markku Lähteenvuo notes, “Our study suggests that besides obesity and diabetes, GLP-1-agonists may also help in the treatment of alcohol and substance use disorders; however, these findings need to be further validated in randomized controlled trials.”
FAQs
Q: What is Ozempic?
A: Ozempic is a GLP-1 drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults and adult weight loss.
Q: What is the relationship between GLP-1 drugs and alcohol consumption?
A: GLP-1 drugs may make sugary beverages less appealing, which could contribute to reduced alcohol consumption.
Q: Have other studies found similar results?
A: Yes, research published earlier this year established that GLP-1 drugs may be able to treat alcohol and opioid addiction by influencing dopamine levels in the brain.
Q: What are the implications of this study?
A: The study offers hope for the treatment of AUD and substance use disorders, and may provide a new tool in the toolbox for healthcare providers.
