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VA to run trial of GLP-1 drug to treat alcohol abuse
abcnews.com • • health
Key Points:
- The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a clinical trial to test whether injectable semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug commonly used for diabetes and weight loss, can treat alcohol abuse among veterans.
- Excessive drinking is a persistent issue in military culture, sometimes normalized, and GLP-1 drugs have shown potential to reduce cravings and aid in addiction treatment, though research remains preliminary.
- The study will enroll over 600 veterans across 18 VA medical centers, with participants receiving weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo for 28 weeks.
- Researchers will assess changes in alcohol consumption, health, and quality of life to evaluate the drug’s safety and effectiveness as a treatment for alcohol abuse.
- Alcohol abuse affects about 14% of veterans, a higher rate compared to just under 10% in the general population, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
