A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry has highlighted the potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide and liraglutide, in reducing hospitalization risks linked to alcohol use disorder (AUD). The research, conducted by Dr. Markku Lähteenvuo and colleagues from the University of Eastern Finland, analyzed data from 227,866 individuals with AUD in Sweden between 2006 and 2023.

This large-scale observational study tracked participants for a median period of 8.8 years, comparing hospitalization risks during periods of GLP-1 agonist use with periods of nonuse in the same individuals. The findings revealed that over half of the participants—58.5 percent—experienced hospitalization due to AUD during the study. However, the use of semaglutide and liraglutide was associated with a significantly reduced risk.

Semaglutide use corresponded to a 36 percent lower risk of AUD-related hospitalizations and a 32 percent lower risk of hospitalizations for any substance use disorder (SUD). Similarly, liraglutide use resulted in a 28 percent reduction in AUD-related hospitalizations and a 22 percent reduction in SUD hospitalizations. Both drugs also showed reductions in the risk of somatic hospitalizations, though no significant effect was observed in preventing suicide attempts.

The study underscores the promise of GLP-1 agonists as a therapeutic option for AUD, a condition often under-treated despite the availability of effective interventions. The authors emphasized the importance of expanding pharmacological treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders, suggesting that semaglutide and liraglutide could serve as effective tools in managing these conditions.

While the findings are promising, the study's ties to the pharmaceutical industry underscore the need for independent research to validate these results. This research also paves the way for exploring how GLP-1 agonists, originally developed for diabetes and obesity management, can be repurposed to address complex challenges like AUD.

The study offers a glimmer of hope for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence, signaling the potential for more comprehensive treatment approaches that address both the medical and behavioral aspects of addiction.