Ozempic and the Future of Treating Alcohol Addiction

In addiction care, excitement rarely comes from weight‑loss drugs—but recently, a JAMA Psychiatry trial made waves: low‑dose semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) led to a 30% reduction in alcohol consumption among people with alcohol use disorder, while also reducing cigarette use in smokers (source).

What was the study?

• 48 participants with AUD randomized to semaglutide or placebo for 2 months.

• Those on semaglutide drank 30% less overall, and reported fewer intense cravings.

• Smokers cut down on cigarettes more than those on placebo.

The mechanisms are still under investigation—but the idea is that GLP‑1 medications may help regulate reward pathways tied to addiction.

Why it matters

✅ It’s the first controlled human trial of a GLP‑1 drug being used to reduce addictive behaviours beyond weight loss.

🚀 It opens new potential for novel pharmacological treatments to support addiction recovery beyond traditional meds.

⚠️ Still early days—safety, long‑term efficacy, and appropriate patient screening must be rigorously researched.

What experts are saying

Researchers believe this could be a launching pad for addiction-specific medications that target cravings via brain reward systems, beyond simply blocking receptors.

But it’s not a silver bullet

• Small sample size (48 people).

• Short duration (2 months).

• It’s still off‑label usage.

• Not suitable for everyone, especially people with certain medical conditions.

• More trials and longer follow-up are needed.

What families and people seeking support should know

Medication can help—but it’s only part of recovery. Support groups, therapy, lifestyle changes, and family involvement remain essential. If you’ve tried treatments and still struggle with cravings, this research indicates hope on the horizon—but not a standalone cure.

What FOL can do

At FOL, we stay up‑to‑date on emerging treatments like this and provide holistic support—connecting families to reputable medical advice, community groups, and ongoing emotional support whether or not medical treatments are suitable.

The future of addiction treatment may feature GLP‑1 drugs like semaglutide, but our service remains grounded in connection, real‑life experience, and sustained peer support live within your Wiltshire or UK community.