Oral Semaglutide Cuts Heavy Drinking and Cravings in Alcohol Use Disorder Trial
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that oral semaglutide significantly reduced heavy drinking, alcohol cravings, and related problems in adults seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder. The findings add to growing evidence that GLP-1 drugs may have applications beyond weight loss.
Oral semaglutide significantly reduced heavy drinking, alcohol cravings, and related problems in adults being treated for alcohol use disorder, according to research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in August 2026.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs originally developed for diabetes and weight loss, may also help people reduce alcohol consumption.
Participants who took oral semaglutide reported fewer heavy drinking days and lower scores on measures of alcohol-related problems compared to those who received a placebo. Cravings also decreased more in the semaglutide group.
Researchers said the findings are promising but noted that larger trials are needed before semaglutide can be recommended as a standard treatment for alcohol use disorder. The drug is not currently approved for this use.
The mechanism behind the effect is not fully understood. Some researchers believe GLP-1 drugs may reduce the reward signals in the brain that drive addictive behavior, not just appetite.
Alcohol use disorder affects millions of Americans. Current approved treatments include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, but many patients do not respond well to these options or stop taking them.
The American Journal of Psychiatry's August 2026 issue focused heavily on alcohol and substance use, featuring several studies on new treatment approaches. Researchers said the semaglutide findings were among the most significant in the issue.
