New research suggests that weight-loss injections could cut the risk of developing addictions to alcohol, nicotine, drugs, and other substances by as much as a quarter, offering hope for both prevention and treatment of substance use disorders.
The study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), focused on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), a class of drugs that mimic the body’s natural hormone to increase feelings of fullness. Commonly prescribed for weight loss, GLP-1 drugs include brands such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, while Ozempic is used primarily for diabetes.
Researchers tracked 606,434 US veterans with type 2 diabetes for up to three years, examining the effects of GLP-1 treatment on substance misuse. Among participants with no history of addiction, GLP-1 therapy was linked to a 14% overall reduction in substance use disorders, including alcohol (18%), cannabis (14%), cocaine (20%), nicotine (20%), and opioids (25%). This translated to between one and six fewer cases per 1,000 people over the study period.
For veterans already struggling with substance use, the benefits were even more pronounced. The injections were associated with a 31% lower risk of emergency department visits, 26% fewer hospital admissions, a 50% reduction in deaths, 39% fewer overdoses, and a 25% lower risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts. These reductions represent approximately one to ten fewer incidents per 1,000 individuals over three years.
Although the study primarily involved older men, similar effects were observed among female participants.
The researchers from the VA Saint Louis Health Care System concluded that GLP-1 receptor agonists may not only help with weight management but could also serve as a preventive and therapeutic option for a wide range of substance use disorders.
“GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with lower risks of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, opioid, and other substance use disorders, suggesting potential preventive effects across a broad spectrum of substances,” the study noted.
For individuals with existing substance use issues, the drugs were linked to significantly lower risks of hospitalisation, overdose, and mortality, highlighting their potential role in reducing the burden of addiction on healthcare systems.
