The research was published in JAMA Psychiatry and funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, underscoring its relevance in the field of addiction treatment.

Currently, there are only three FDA-approved medications for treating AUD, and the introduction of semaglutide could enhance treatment adoption among those in need.

A recent randomized, placebo-controlled trial has found that low-dose semaglutide can significantly reduce alcohol consumption, cravings, and heavy drinking days in adults suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Experts have expressed caution regarding the safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists for individuals without excess weight, highlighting the need for further investigation.

The study, which lasted just over two months, involved 48 participants who were not undergoing any treatment for their alcohol addiction, with most participants classified as overweight or obese.

The study highlights a significant treatment gap, as alcohol-related issues contribute to approximately 178,000 deaths annually in the U.S., yet few individuals seek treatment.

Currently, less than 2% of individuals affected by AUD receive treatment, indicating a critical need for increased awareness and accessibility of existing medications.

The study also raises questions about optimal dosages for treating alcohol addiction and the potential efficacy of other weight-loss drugs targeting multiple hormones.

Dr. Lorenzo Leggio, a physician-scientist, emphasized the importance of understanding how GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide affect AUD for future research.

While the findings are promising, they raise concerns about the drug's safety for individuals who do not need to lose weight, as all study participants were overweight.

Plans for larger clinical trials are underway to explore the effects of GLP-1 drugs on AUD more comprehensively, building on previous studies that suggest a link to reduced alcohol-related hospitalizations.

Semaglutide, which has been available for managing type 2 diabetes since 2019 in the NHS and since 2017 in the U.S., can cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, and headaches.