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Studies Link GLP-1 Drugs to Lower Addiction and Overdose Risks

Researchers urge randomized trials to test whether the links reflect true treatment effects.

Overview

  • An analysis of more than 600,000 veterans in The BMJ tied GLP-1 drugs used for diabetes and weight loss to lower rates of alcohol, opioid, and nicotine use disorders with fewer overdoses, emergency visits, and deaths.
  • Yale researchers reported that patients on semaglutide said they felt less drive to drink alcohol and to smoke.
  • A Yale mouse study found the drugs cut alcohol intake and reduced liver damage even when intake stayed the same.
  • Scientists said the findings are preliminary and will be tested in randomized trials to confirm causation and gauge safety.
  • A BMJ Medicine study linked stopping GLP-1 treatment to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in veterans with Type 2 diabetes.