A new paper published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society explores the potential of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RAs) for treating alcohol and drug addiction. GLP-1 therapies, already widely known for treating diabetes and obesity, may offer a promising approach to substance use disorders, according to research presented by the Endocrine Society. “Early research in both animals and humans suggests that these treatments may help reduce alcohol and other substance use,” said lead researcher Lorenzo Leggio, M.D., Ph.D., of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Current treatment options for substance use disorders fall significantly short of public health needs. Despite the high prevalence of these disorders—with alcohol identified as the most harmful drug due to its connections to car accidents, gun violence, and domestic violence—less than a quarter of people received treatment in 2023. Barriers including stigma, limited clinician training, and organizational challenges contribute to this underutilization.
GLP-1 therapies work by modulating neurobiological pathways underlying addictive behaviors. The medications activate GLP-1 receptors in the central nervous system, which curbs appetite and helps regulate eating patterns. Some forms of obesity display biochemical characteristics resembling addiction, including similar neurocircuitry mechanisms. Researchers have theorized that pathways implicated in addiction also contribute to pathological overeating and obesity, suggesting that GLP-1 therapies may work similarly to address substance cravings and use.
While preclinical and early clinical investigations show encouraging results, researchers caution that more and larger studies are needed to confirm effectiveness and unveil the mechanisms underlying GLP-1 therapies in relation to addictive behaviors. “This research is very important because alcohol and drug addiction are major causes of illness and death, yet there are still only a few effective treatment options,” said Leggio. “Finding new and better treatments is critically important to help people live healthier lives.”
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2025/glp1s-show-promise-in-treating-alcohol-and-drug-addiction