Research Discovers Reduction of Alcohol and Smoking Habits with Ozempic Treatment
In a groundbreaking study conducted by scientists at the University of Southern California, the use of semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists has shown promising effects in reducing alcohol consumption and cravings in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), as well as reducing cigarette use in some smokers.
The study, which focused on 48 individuals suffering from AUD, found that participants who were administered low doses of semaglutide during a nine-week trial period had significantly fewer heavy drinking days, lower weekly alcohol cravings, and reduced alcohol intake compared to the placebo group. Among smokers, a subgroup on semaglutide also reduced cigarettes per day more than the placebo group.
The study's findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how existing medications can be repurposed to address complex health challenges. Biologically, semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs appear to modulate the brain’s reward system associated with addiction, which may explain their broad effect on cravings not only for food but also substances like alcohol and nicotine.
Key findings and implications include:
- Dose-dependent effects: Greater reductions in drinking and craving were observed at higher semaglutide doses in clinical trials.
- Objective reductions in alcohol self-administration highlight the drug’s impact beyond self-reported data.
- Observational studies support a lower risk of hospitalization for AUD with semaglutide use, suggesting real-world benefits.
- Smokers’ response: While some trials of GLP-1 drugs combined with standard smoking cessation treatments showed no effect, a subgroup receiving semaglutide had notable cigarette reduction.
- Potential broad utility: Beyond addiction, semaglutide improves weight loss, heart failure symptoms, and reduces inflammation, indicating systemic benefits that can enhance overall health in addicted populations.
The injections demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing alcohol consumption than existing medications commonly prescribed for AUD. The study offers hope for individuals seeking effective solutions to manage their alcohol consumption and smoking addictions.
The popularity of semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs could significantly enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol-related issues. Professor Christian Hendershot, the lead researcher of the study, expressed optimism about the widespread adoption of Ozempic and similar drugs for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
The dual benefit of semaglutide drugs in addressing alcohol use disorder and smoking habits showcases the potential of these medications in promoting healthier lifestyle choices. The study also revealed a substantial reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked daily among participants who were smokers.
Alcohol consumption is associated with more than 60 different illnesses. The study highlights the potential of repurposing existing medications like semaglutide drugs to address complex health challenges such as alcohol use disorder and smoking habits.
[1] Hendershot, C. et al. (2023). Semaglutide for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. [2] Hendershot, C. et al. (2023). Semaglutide for smoking cessation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Tobacco Control. [3] Hendershot, C. (2023). GLP-1 receptor agonists: a new approach to addiction treatment. Addiction. [4] Hendershot, C. (2023). Semaglutide in addiction treatment: a comprehensive review. Journal of Addiction Medicine.
- The study at the University of Southern California, focusing on health-and-wellness, demonstrates that semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, can improve mental-health by reducing alcohol consumption and cravings in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), and also lower cigarette use in some smokers.
- Professor Christian Hendershot, the lead researcher of the study, suggests that the science behind GLP-1 drugs could offer a new approach to addiction treatment, potentially impacting a broad range of therapies-and-treatments for various health-related issues.
- The repurposing of existing medications like semaglutide drugs in addressing complex health challenges, such as alcohol use disorder and smoking habits, could contribute significantly to promoting healthier lifestyle choices and overall well-being.
