GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce alcohol and other substance use.
- Current status
- Preliminary signalEvidence strengthening · Addiction
- Why
- A small phase 2 RCT (n=48, 9 weeks, low doses) reduced laboratory alcohol self-administration, craving and drinks per drinking day. Large observational cohorts show lower opioid overdose and alcohol intoxication rates. No phase 3 trial has reported; the RCT population was young and not selected for weight.
- What would change it
- A phase 3 randomized trial with abstinence or heavy-drinking-day outcomes over 6 months or more.
- Linked studies
- 3 · 3 supports
- Last updated
- Sep 13, 2026
The status is the collection's own judgment on its assessment scale, not a GRADE certainty rating and not medical advice.
01The evidence
The evidence, sorted by what it shows
Supports (3)
- Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical TrialRandomized trial · 2025 · Study tier 3 · Partial match · Benefit
Phase 2 RCT, n=48, mean age 40; medium-large effects on lab drinking; NIH funded.
- The association between glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and/or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist prescriptions and substance-related outcomes in patients with opioid and alcohol use disorders: A real-world data analysisRetrospective cohort · 2025 · Study tier 3 · Partial match · Benefit
EHR cohort: aIRR 0.60 for opioid overdose, 0.50 for alcohol intoxication; observational.
- Mapping the effectiveness and risks of GLP-1 receptor agonistsRetrospective cohort · 2025 · Study tier 3 · Different population · Mixed
VA atlas: reduced substance use disorders vs usual care; observational.
02History
How this assessment has changed
- Preliminary signalSep 13, 2026 · Evidence strengthening
initial curated status