GLP-1 for Opioid Use Disorder Research Review

Last updated: April 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

GLP-1 medications, initially known for their role in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, are now drawing significant attention for their potential impact on addiction and neurological conditions. Recent research indicates these drugs, such as semaglutide, may help reduce alcohol consumption in adults with alcohol use disorder, offering a new avenue for treatment (JAMA 2025). Beyond addiction, scientists have been exploring GLP-1s for conditions like Alzheimer's disease, recognizing their potential effects on the brain.

While initial phase 3 trials for Alzheimer's did not meet their primary goals, the fact that existing anti-amyloid drugs only slow cognitive decline by about 30% emphasizes the critical need for new therapies that target the remaining 70% of the disease's complexity (ADDF 2025). This ongoing research underscores a fundamental shift in how we approach complex diseases, moving towards treatments that address multiple underlying biological pathways.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 medications are a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. These drugs were first developed to help the body regulate blood sugar levels, making them a cornerstone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Their effectiveness in blood sugar control stems from their ability to mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone, which stimulates insulin release, suppresses glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying.

This mechanism not only helps manage diabetes but also contributes to weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite. The versatility of these drugs has quickly expanded their use beyond their initial indications, with ongoing research revealing even more potential applications.

We recognize several common GLP-1 drugs by their brand names. Semaglutide, for instance, is widely known as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®. Ozempic® and Rybelsus® are primarily used for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy® is approved for chronic weight management.

Another important GLP-1 drug is liraglutide, which is marketed as Victoza® for diabetes and Saxenda® for weight management. More recently, tirzepatide has entered the market, known as Mounjaro® for diabetes and Zepbound™ for weight loss. While these medications share a common mechanism of action, they differ in their specific formulations, dosing schedules, and approved indications.

The development of these drugs has significantly improved outcomes for millions of individuals struggling with type 2 diabetes and obesity, offering effective tools for disease management and weight control. The continued innovation in this drug class highlights its importance in modern medicine, with new research constantly uncovering additional benefits and applications.

The Role in Diabetes and Weight Management

The primary function of GLP-1 receptor agonists in diabetes care is to improve glycemic control. They achieve this by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. This means insulin is released only when blood sugar levels are high, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Simultaneously, GLP-1s suppress the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, further contributing to stable glucose levels. Beyond blood sugar regulation, these drugs also slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, leading to a sustained feeling of fullness. This effect, combined with their impact on appetite centers in the brain, makes them highly effective for weight loss.

For individuals with obesity, even moderate weight loss can lead to significant health improvements, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and certain cancers. The dual benefit of blood sugar control and weight reduction has made GLP-1 drugs a preferred choice for many patients with type 2 diabetes who also struggle with overweight or obesity.

Expanding Horizons: Beyond Metabolism

While their metabolic benefits are well-established, research increasingly points to the broader physiological effects of GLP-1 drugs. Scientists are exploring how these medications might influence other organ systems, including the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and even the brain. Studies have shown that GLP-1s can offer cardiovascular protection, reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve endothelial function—the health of the lining of blood vessels, are thought to contribute to these benefits. This wider range of effects suggests that GLP-1s are not just metabolic drugs but have systemic impacts that could be used for other challenging conditions. The ongoing investigations into these expanded applications demonstrate the dynamic nature of drug discovery and the potential for existing medications to be repurposed for entirely new therapeutic areas, offering hope for conditions previously difficult to treat.

How Do GLP-1s Affect the Brain?

GLP-1 medications are known to impact the brain and nervous system in surprising ways, extending their influence far beyond their initial role in metabolism. Research suggests these drugs can cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing them to directly affect brain function. This direct interaction opens up new possibilities for treating conditions that involve neurological pathways.

Scientists are actively studying how GLP-1s interact with various brain regions, particularly those involved in reward, motivation, and cognitive processes. This understanding is crucial for exploring their potential in areas like addiction, neurodegenerative diseases, and even mental health. The brain's complex network of neurons and neurotransmitters responds to GLP-1s, potentially leading to therapeutic benefits not initially anticipated when these drugs were first developed.

These drugs are thought to exert several protective effects within the brain. For instance, research indicates that GLP-1s could reduce brain inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the brain is a common feature in many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's.

By dampening inflammatory responses, GLP-1s might help slow the progression of these conditions or alleviate their symptoms. And these medications may improve blood vessel health within the brain. Healthy blood flow is essential for optimal brain function, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products.

Any improvement in cerebral blood vessel integrity and function could have profound positive effects on cognitive health and overall neurological resilience. Protecting neurons from damage is another key area of investigation. GLP-1s are believed to have neuroprotective properties, helping to preserve the structure and function of brain cells.

This protection could be vital in preventing or mitigating neuronal degeneration, which is a hallmark of many debilitating brain disorders.

Modulating Neurotransmitters and Reward Pathways

One of the most intriguing aspects of GLP-1s' brain effects is their potential to modulate neurotransmitters and reward pathways. These pathways play a crucial role in regulating mood, motivation, and addictive behaviors. The brain's reward system, primarily driven by dopamine, is activated by pleasurable experiences, including those associated with food, drugs, and alcohol.

In individuals with addiction, this system becomes dysregulated, leading to intense cravings and compulsive substance seeking. GLP-1 receptors are present in brain regions involved in these reward pathways, suggesting that GLP-1 drugs could directly influence how the brain responds to addictive stimuli. By modulating these pathways, GLP-1s might reduce the rewarding effects of substances like alcohol or opioids, thereby decreasing cravings and the motivation to use them.

This mechanism could offer a novel approach to treating substance use disorders, targeting the underlying neurological drivers of addiction rather than just the behavioral symptoms.

Impact on Cognitive Function and Neuroprotection

Beyond addiction, the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of GLP-1s suggest a role in cognitive function and protection against neurodegenerative diseases. Conditions like Alzheimer's disease are characterized by neuronal damage, inflammation, and impaired blood flow in the brain. The ability of GLP-1s to reduce brain inflammation, improve blood vessel health, and protect neurons directly addresses several of these pathological features.

While the EVOKE and EVOKE+ trials for Alzheimer's disease did not meet their primary endpoints, the research still points to the potential for GLP-1s to influence disease biomarkers (ADDF 2025). This suggests that even if they are not a standalone cure, they might play a supportive role, perhaps in combination with other therapies. The exploration of GLP-1s in this context represents a fundamental shift in how we approach the development of new treatments, expanding beyond single targets like amyloid to address the complete complexity of neurodegenerative diseases.

The continued study of these drugs for their brain effects offers hope for new strategies to preserve cognitive health and combat devastating neurological conditions.

Can GLP-1s Treat Alcohol Use Disorder?

Yes, GLP-1s show promise in treating alcohol use disorder, representing an exciting new area of research. These medications, initially recognized for their impact on diabetes and weight, are now being investigated for their ability to reduce alcohol consumption and craving. This potential is rooted in their effects on brain reward pathways and appetite regulation, which can influence addictive behaviors.

The idea that a drug designed for metabolic health could also help with addiction highlights the interconnectedness of our body's systems, particularly between metabolic processes and brain function. Early findings suggest a significant role for GLP-1s in this challenging field, offering a new therapeutic option where current treatments may fall short. For more details, see Semaglutide in Alcohol Use Disorder Trial 2025.

A randomized clinical trial specifically studied once-weekly semaglutide in adults with alcohol use disorder, yielding encouraging results (JAMA 2025). This research focused on understanding if semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug marketed as Ozempic® and Wegovy®, could effectively reduce the amount of alcohol consumed by individuals struggling with addiction. The study design, a randomized clinical trial, is considered a gold standard for evaluating drug efficacy, providing robust evidence for its findings.

Participants received either semaglutide or a placebo, and their alcohol intake was carefully monitored over several weeks. The outcomes of this trial indicated that semaglutide could indeed lead to a reduction in alcohol consumption, suggesting a direct therapeutic effect. This finding is particularly significant because it points to a potential pharmacological intervention that could complement existing behavioral therapies for alcohol use disorder.

The study measured various aspects of alcohol use, including estimated grams of alcohol consumed and peak breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), demonstrating that those on semaglutide showed reduced self-administration of alcohol compared to the placebo group.

Mechanisms Behind Reduced Alcohol Consumption

The mechanisms through which GLP-1s might reduce alcohol consumption are complex and involve several pathways. One key theory relates to the drug's impact on the brain's reward system. Alcohol, like food, activates reward pathways in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and reinforcement.

GLP-1 receptors are found in brain regions associated with these reward circuits. By modulating these pathways, GLP-1s may decrease the pleasurable or rewarding effects of alcohol, thereby reducing the desire to drink. If alcohol becomes less rewarding, the motivation to consume it lessens.

And GLP-1s are known to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. While this primarily relates to food intake, there is evidence that these effects can extend to other consummatory behaviors, including alcohol. The brain's signaling for hunger and satiety can overlap with signals for craving and reward, suggesting a broader regulatory effect.

Another important aspect is the potential for GLP-1s to reduce impulsivity. Addiction often involves impulsive decision-making and a reduced ability to control urges. By influencing brain regions involved in executive function and impulse control, GLP-1s could help individuals make more deliberate choices regarding alcohol consumption.

The study on once-weekly semaglutide observed post-treatment alcohol self-administration following treatment week 8, with participants receiving 0.5 mg/wk, showing a reduction in both estimated grams of alcohol and peak measured breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) among those without missing data (n = 25; 12 in placebo, 13 in semaglutide group) (JAMA 2025). This data, depicted in the laboratory self-administration figures, highlights the tangible impact of semaglutide on actual alcohol intake and its physiological effects. The mean BrAC measured across 30-minute intervals also showed a clear difference between treatment conditions, further supporting the drug's efficacy.

Protecting the Liver During Alcohol Consumption

Beyond reducing consumption, GLP-1 receptor agonists also offer a protective benefit for the liver during alcohol consumption. Alcohol-related liver disease is a major public health concern, ranging from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and chronic, heavy drinking can lead to significant damage and inflammation.

Research from Yale School of Medicine indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists protect the liver during alcohol consumption (Yale Medicine 2025). This protective effect is thought to stem from several mechanisms, including reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and decreasing fat accumulation in the liver.

By mitigating liver damage, GLP-1s could potentially reduce the severity of alcohol-related liver disease in individuals who continue to consume alcohol, even if they reduce their intake. This dual benefit—reducing consumption and protecting the liver, makes GLP-1s a particularly appealing option for treating alcohol use disorder. The ability to address both the behavioral and physiological consequences of alcohol abuse could significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the long-term health burden associated with the condition.

While more research is needed to fully elucidate these protective mechanisms and their clinical implications, the early findings are promising and suggest a broader role for GLP-1s in managing the multifaceted challenges of alcohol addiction.

What About GLP-1s and Other Addictions?

The potential of GLP-1 medications extends beyond alcohol use disorder to other forms of addiction, including drug addiction. The underlying neurological pathways involved in various substance use disorders often share commonalities, particularly concerning the brain's reward system and impulse control. This overlap suggests that if GLP-1s can modulate these pathways for alcohol, they might do the same for other addictive substances.

The Endocrine Society reported in 2025 that GLP-1s show promise in treating both alcohol and drug addiction, indicating a growing recognition within the scientific community of these broader applications (Endocrine Society 2025). This news highlights a significant shift in thinking about addiction treatment, moving towards novel pharmacological approaches that target the fundamental biology of craving and reward.

The mechanisms by which GLP-1s might influence drug addiction are similar to those proposed for alcohol. By modulating dopamine release in the brain's reward centers, these drugs could diminish the intense pleasure and reinforcement associated with drug use. This reduction in the "high" could, in turn, decrease the motivation to seek and use drugs.

And the effects of GLP-1s on appetite and satiety might indirectly influence drug cravings, as there can be shared neural circuits involved in the regulation of various appetitive behaviors. If GLP-1s can help regulate the brain's response to natural rewards like food, they might also help rebalance the response to artificial rewards like drugs. This area of research is still in its early stages, but the initial findings are compelling enough to warrant further investigation across a spectrum of substance use disorders.

Exploring Opioid Use Disorder and Beyond

While the research specifically on GLP-1s for opioid use disorder (OUD) is emerging, the general promise in "drug addiction" suggests a potential role. Opioid addiction involves powerful cravings and withdrawal symptoms, driven by the drug's profound effects on the brain's opioid receptors and dopamine pathways. If GLP-1s can temper the dopamine surge associated with opioid use, or reduce the intensity of cravings, they could serve as a valuable adjunct to existing OUD treatments.

Current treatments for OUD, such as buprenorphine and methadone, are effective but often require long-term commitment and face challenges with adherence. A medication that could reduce cravings through a different mechanism could offer a complementary strategy, potentially improving outcomes for individuals struggling with opioid dependence.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that more specific research is needed to fully understand their role in various substance use disorders. Each type of addiction has unique neurobiological underpinnings, even with shared reward pathways. For instance, the specific neurotransmitter systems and brain regions affected by stimulants like cocaine might differ in subtle but important ways from those affected by opioids or cannabis.

Therefore, while the general principle of modulating reward and craving holds promise, detailed studies for each specific drug class are essential. These studies would need to assess efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing regimens for different types of drug addiction. The Endocrine Society's broad statement on "alcohol and drug addiction" suggests a wide-ranging potential, but clinical trials focusing on specific substances, such as opioids, stimulants, or nicotine, will be necessary to translate this promise into approved therapies.

The path forward involves rigorous scientific investigation to unlock the full therapeutic potential of GLP-1s in the complex landscape of addiction medicine. For more details, see GLP-1s and Alzheimer's Research 2025.

What Did Semaglutide Trials Show for Alzheimer's Disease?

Semaglutide, a prominent GLP-1 drug, was a central focus in two global clinical trials, EVOKE and EVOKE+, for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. These trials aimed to investigate whether semaglutide could slow the progression of this devastating neurodegenerative condition. The scientific community eagerly awaited the results, given the earlier research suggesting that GLP-1s might reduce brain inflammation, improve blood vessel health, and protect neurons, all factors relevant to Alzheimer's pathology (Alzheimer's Association 2025).

The potential for repurposing a widely used diabetes and weight loss drug for Alzheimer's generated considerable excitement, offering hope for a new therapeutic avenue.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of semaglutide, released topline results from these phase 3 trials in November 2025. The announcement revealed that the EVOKE and EVOKE+ trials did not meet their primary endpoints (ADDF 2025). This outcome means that semaglutide, when used as a standalone treatment in these specific trials, did not demonstrate the statistically significant improvement in cognitive function or daily living activities that researchers were hoping for.

While disappointing, these results are a crucial part of the scientific process, guiding future research directions. The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) acknowledged this outcome, stating, "While it is disappointing that the trials did not meet their primary endpoints, they show a fundamental shift in how we approach the development of new Alzheimer’s treatments, expanding beyond amyloid to target the complete pathobiology of the disease. " This perspective underscores that even negative results contribute valuable knowledge, pushing the field to consider more complex and multi-targeted treatment strategies.

Understanding the Trial Scope

The EVOKE and EVOKE+ trials were extensive, reflecting the global effort to combat Alzheimer's disease. The EVOKE Plus study alone had 495 locations worldwide, illustrating the massive scale of the research endeavor (ClinicalTrials.gov 2025). These locations spanned numerous countries, including multiple sites across the United States.

For example, in Arizona, locations included Banner Alzheimer's Institute in Phoenix (85006), Imaging Endpoints in Scottsdale (85258), Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City (85351), and Tucson Neuroscience Research in Tucson (85710). California also hosted a significant number of sites, such as Advanced Research Center, Inc. in Anaheim (92805), Torrance Clin Res Inst, Inc. in Lomita (90717), ASCLEPES Research Centers in Long Beach (90807), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles (90048), and UCLA_Los Angeles in Los Angeles (90095). Other California locations included Newport Beach (92660), Panorama City (91402), Pasadena (90048), Sharp Neurocog Res Ctr in San Diego (92123), Syrentis Clinical Research in Santa Ana (92705), Calfornia Neurosc Resrch Med in Sherman Oaks (91403), and Southern California Research LLC in Simi Valley (93065).

Even Basalt, Colorado (81621) had a location. This broad geographical reach allowed for diverse patient populations and robust data collection, making the findings impactful, even if they were not what was initially hoped for.

Biomarker Improvements and Future Directions

Despite not meeting the primary endpoints related to cognitive decline, Novo Nordisk did note an improvement in Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers in both trials. This observation is significant because biomarkers can indicate underlying biological changes associated with the disease, even if clinical symptoms haven't visibly improved. Howard Fillit, MD, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), emphasized this point: "Novo has noted an improvement of Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers in both trials.

We look forward to seeing further results at CTAD, as this may suggest a path forward for semaglutide as part of a combination therapy approach. " This statement suggests that while semaglutide might not be a standalone solution, it could still play a role within a broader treatment strategy.

The complexity of Alzheimer's disease means that a single drug might not be enough to halt its progression. Just as cancer care has evolved to use combination therapies, Alzheimer's treatment may require a similar multi-pronged approach. Existing anti-amyloid drugs, for example, have been shown to slow cognitive decline by around 30%.

Dr. Fillit noted, "Existing anti-amyloid drugs slow cognitive decline by around 30%, so therapies aimed at other pathways will be crucial as we chip away at the remaining 70%. " This highlights the need for therapies that target different pathways and mechanisms of the disease. The completion of the EVOKE and EVOKE+ phase 3 trials, even with their primary endpoints not met, represents real momentum toward developing these kinds of combination approaches.

The insights gained from these trials, especially regarding biomarker changes, will be invaluable in shaping the next era of Alzheimer's drug development, focusing on the disease's underlying pathobiology and its true complexity rather than relying on a single target.

What's Next for GLP-1 Research?

Even though the Alzheimer's trials for semaglutide did not meet their primary goals, these studies represent a fundamental shift in Alzheimer’s drug development. The field is moving beyond a sole focus on amyloid plaques, which have been a primary target for decades, to embrace a more comprehensive understanding of the disease's underlying biology. Alzheimer's is now widely recognized as a complex condition influenced by multiple factors, including inflammation, vascular health, and metabolic dysfunction.

This expanded view means that future treatments will likely target a broader range of biological pathways, rather than relying on a single mechanism. The insights gained from the EVOKE and EVOKE+ trials, particularly the observed improvements in biomarkers, reinforce the idea that GLP-1s still hold potential, even if not as a standalone treatment.

Researchers are now looking beyond amyloid to target the full complexity of the disease. This new era of drug development acknowledges that Alzheimer's involves intricate interactions between various cellular and molecular processes. Therefore, therapies aimed at multiple pathways, such as those that reduce inflammation, improve mitochondrial function, or enhance synaptic plasticity, are gaining traction.

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) emphasizes this shift, with Dr. Howard Fillit stating, "While it is disappointing that the trials did not meet their primary endpoints, they show a fundamental shift in how we approach the development of new Alzheimer’s treatments, expanding beyond amyloid to target the complete pathobiology of the disease. " This perspective guides the industry towards developing more sophisticated and multi-component therapeutic strategies, much like how cancer treatments have evolved.

The Potential for Combination Therapies

A key takeaway from the Alzheimer's trial results is the strong potential for semaglutide to be used as part of combination therapy approaches. Just as different drugs are combined to treat complex conditions like cancer, Alzheimer's may benefit from a cocktail of medications that address various aspects of the disease simultaneously. For instance, a GLP-1 drug could be combined with an anti-amyloid drug, an anti-tau therapy, or an anti-inflammatory agent.

The goal would be to create a synergistic effect, where each component of the therapy contributes to slowing disease progression or improving symptoms through different mechanisms. Dr. Fillit further noted, "Novo has noted an improvement of Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers in both trials. We look forward to seeing further results at CTAD, as this may suggest a path forward for semaglutide as part of a combination therapy approach.

" This suggests that even if semaglutide doesn't cure Alzheimer's on its own, it could be a valuable piece of a larger therapeutic puzzle.

Existing anti-amyloid drugs currently slow cognitive decline by around 30%, which is a significant step but leaves much room for improvement. Dr. Fillit highlighted this gap, explaining, "Existing anti-amyloid drugs slow cognitive decline by around 30%, so therapies aimed at other pathways will be crucial as we chip away at the remaining 70%. " This means that therapies targeting other pathways, such as those influenced by GLP-1s, are crucial for making further progress in Alzheimer's treatment.

The completion of two phase 3 trials targeting one of these alternative pathways, even with mixed results, represents real momentum toward the kind of combination approach that has already transformed cancer care. The future of GLP-1 research in neurological diseases will likely involve exploring these drugs in conjunction with other agents, aiming to achieve more comprehensive and effective outcomes for patients. For more details, see GLP-1s for Alcohol and Drug Addiction 2025.

Continued Exploration in Addiction and Other Areas

Beyond Alzheimer's, GLP-1 research will continue to expand in other promising areas, particularly in addiction medicine. The positive findings from the randomized clinical trial on semaglutide for alcohol use disorder have opened a new frontier (JAMA 2025). This success prompts further investigation into other substance use disorders, including opioid, nicotine, and stimulant addictions.

Researchers will delve deeper into the neurobiological mechanisms by which GLP-1s influence craving, reward, and impulse control for various substances. These studies will likely involve more extensive clinical trials, exploring different GLP-1 formulations, dosing strategies, and patient populations. The potential to offer a novel pharmacological intervention for addiction, particularly one that also provides liver protection during alcohol consumption, is a powerful motivator for continued research (Yale Medicine 2025).

And the general neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of GLP-1s suggest potential applications in other neurological conditions beyond Alzheimer's, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, where inflammation and neurodegeneration play significant roles. The widespread presence of GLP-1 receptors in the brain and nervous system means that their influence could be far-reaching. The scientific community will also continue to investigate the metabolic benefits of these drugs, refining their use in diabetes and obesity, and exploring their impact on related conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The journey of GLP-1 research is dynamic and evolving, promising to uncover even more therapeutic uses for these versatile medications in the years to come, fundamentally changing how we approach complex chronic diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are GLP-1 drugs primarily used for?

GLP-1 drugs are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management. They work by helping the body regulate blood sugar levels, increasing insulin release when needed, and slowing gastric emptying. Common examples include semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®), liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound™). These medications have significantly improved outcomes for millions of patients with these conditions.

Do GLP-1s have any effects on the brain?

Yes, GLP-1s do have effects on the brain and nervous system. Research suggests these drugs can reduce brain inflammation, improve the health of blood vessels in the brain, and protect neurons. These brain effects have led to exploring GLP-1s for conditions beyond diabetes and weight loss, including neurological disorders and addiction.

Has semaglutide been studied for alcohol use disorder?

Yes, semaglutide has been studied for alcohol use disorder in a randomized clinical trial. This research found that once-weekly semaglutide can reduce alcohol consumption in adults with the disorder (JAMA 2025). This indicates a promising new area for GLP-1 medications in addiction treatment.

Did GLP-1s prove effective for Alzheimer's disease in recent trials?

No, recent phase 3 trials (EVOKE and EVOKE+) of semaglutide for early-stage Alzheimer's disease did not meet their primary endpoints in November 2025. However, Novo Nordisk noted an improvement in Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers, suggesting a potential role for semaglutide in combination therapies rather than as a standalone treatment. These trials, including the EVOKE Plus study with its 495 locations, still represent a significant step in understanding Alzheimer's.

Are GLP-1s being explored for other types of addiction?

Yes, GLP-1s are being explored for other types of addiction beyond alcohol use disorder. The Endocrine Society reported in 2025 that GLP-1s show promise in treating both alcohol and drug addiction (Endocrine Society 2025). More research is needed to fully understand their role and effectiveness in various substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder.