Ozempic-Like Drugs Linked With Lower Risk of Substance Addiction
ScienceAlert • • health
Key Points:
- A new study published in BMJ suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists—medications like semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide used for diabetes and obesity—may reduce the risk of developing substance use disorders and improve outcomes for those already affected.
- The study analyzed electronic health records of over 600,000 veterans with diabetes, finding that GLP-1 drug users had a 14% lower risk of new substance use disorders and a 26% reduction in substance-related hospital admissions among those with existing disorders.
- Significant reductions were observed across various substances, including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and opioids, with improved outcomes such as fewer emergency visits, overdoses, suicidal behaviors,
