Can a GLP-1 treat alcohol disorder? Veterans Affairs starts a study to find out.
The Washington Post reports:
BLUF: The trial follows earlier signs that GLP-1s can reduce symptoms of alcohol and drug addiction similarly to how they reduce “food noise” for people struggling with obesity.
By Christopher Rowland
With the promise that GLP-1 drugs, approved for diabetes and weight loss, can also treat ailments such as cancer and heart disease, the government is now exploring if they can reduce alcohol abuse among U.S. military veterans.
With an estimated 400,000 U.S. veterans diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, the Department of Veterans Affairs said this week it is launching a randomized clinical trial to measure whether semaglutide, the ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, can reduce drinking and improve quality of life.
The trial follows earlier signs that GLP-1s can reduce symptoms of alcohol and drug addiction similarly to how they reduce “food noise” for people struggling with obesity. A VA analysis of medical records showed the drugs reduced risk of alcohol use disorder and abuse of other drugs.
A clinical trial by academic researchers in 48 patients resulted in reduced cravings and fewer drinks consumed on days patients drank.
The new study will be more robust, involving 600 participants who will either be injected with semaglutide or a placebo for 24 weeks. Trial sites will be 18 VA centers across the country.
“We aim to expand the tools available to help Veterans take control of their health and recovery,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Douglas A. Collins said in a news release.
My comments:
The GLP-1 (Glucagon Like Peptide 1 agonist) medications are a modern medical miracle showing promise in many different types of conditions including: weight loss, diabetes management, and various other diseases and conditions.
One effect seems to be helping to corral addictive disorders. Alcoholism is widespread in the military and veteran culture. Social pressures and entities such as PTSD and homelessness can exacerbate alcoholism among veterans.
Assuming Trump appointees Kennedy and Collins don’t muck this research up and that the studies follow legitimate medical research protocols, this may lead to very significant benefits to military members and veterans.
BLUF: The trial follows earlier signs that GLP-1s can reduce symptoms of alcohol and drug addiction similarly to how they reduce “food noise” for people struggling with obesity.
By Christopher Rowland
With the promise that GLP-1 drugs, approved for diabetes and weight loss, can also treat ailments such as cancer and heart disease, the government is now exploring if they can reduce alcohol abuse among U.S. military veterans.
With an estimated 400,000 U.S. veterans diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, the Department of Veterans Affairs said this week it is launching a randomized clinical trial to measure whether semaglutide, the ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, can reduce drinking and improve quality of life.
The trial follows earlier signs that GLP-1s can reduce symptoms of alcohol and drug addiction similarly to how they reduce “food noise” for people struggling with obesity. A VA analysis of medical records showed the drugs reduced risk of alcohol use disorder and abuse of other drugs.
A clinical trial by academic researchers in 48 patients resulted in reduced cravings and fewer drinks consumed on days patients drank.
The new study will be more robust, involving 600 participants who will either be injected with semaglutide or a placebo for 24 weeks. Trial sites will be 18 VA centers across the country.
“We aim to expand the tools available to help Veterans take control of their health and recovery,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Douglas A. Collins said in a news release.
My comments:
The GLP-1 (Glucagon Like Peptide 1 agonist) medications are a modern medical miracle showing promise in many different types of conditions including: weight loss, diabetes management, and various other diseases and conditions.
One effect seems to be helping to corral addictive disorders. Alcoholism is widespread in the military and veteran culture. Social pressures and entities such as PTSD and homelessness can exacerbate alcoholism among veterans.
Assuming Trump appointees Kennedy and Collins don’t muck this research up and that the studies follow legitimate medical research protocols, this may lead to very significant benefits to military members and veterans.
