PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Could weight loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic help people quit drinking? Researchers in Philadelphia are trying to find out in a new clinical trial.
The Philadelphia VA Medical Center is looking for veterans who suffer from alcohol use disorder to examine whether the GLP-1 semaglutide can help curb the urge to drink alcohol in a similar way that it reduces the urge to overeat.
Dr. David Oslin, who is leading the research, said these drugs can dampen the brain’s response when an alcohol craving kicks in.
“If somebody does drink, it won’t lead … to an excessive amount,” he said. “Or they may not even have that response in the first place. If they see an ad or they see a beer in the store, it really doesn’t light up their brain in the way that it used to.”
Half of the participants will receive the GLP-1 medication, and the other half will be given placebos. If the drugs are found to help, it would be a long process before they become available to people who need it.
Participants who are turned away from the trial will be given other treatment options.
If you are a veteran suffering from addiction, call 988 and press 1 for the Veteran Crisis Line, or send a text message to 838225.
