Ozempic helps to reduce alcohol consumption and smoking, new study finds

Ozempic and Semaglutide: A New Hope for Reducing Alcohol Consumption and Smoking

A groundbreaking study conducted by scientists at the University of Southern California has revealed that drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, well-known for their role in weight loss and diabetes management, may also hold the key to reducing alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. The research, which monitored 48 individuals with alcohol use disorder, found that low doses of semaglutide— the active ingredient in these medications— significantly reduced weekly alcohol cravings, the number of drinks consumed on drinking days, and the frequency of heavy drinking episodes. This discovery not only offers new hope for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction but also opens up possibilities for addressing other substance use disorders, such as smoking.

The Study: A Closer Look at Alcohol Use Disorder and Semaglutide

The study focused on individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, a condition characterized by an inability to control drinking despite its negative consequences. For women, this meant consuming more than seven drinks per week in the past month, along with at least two heavy drinking episodes. Men had similar criteria, with more than 14 drinks per week and at least two heavy drinking episodes in the same timeframe. Over the course of nine weeks, participants were administered either low doses of semaglutide or a placebo. The results were striking: those who received semaglutide showed a marked reduction in their drinking habits compared to those who received the placebo. This suggests that semaglutide could be a more effective treatment for alcohol use disorder than existing medications.

Beyond Alcohol: Reductions in Smoking

One of the most surprising findings of the study was the impact of semaglutide on smoking. Participants who smoked and received the drug experienced a significant reduction in the number of cigarettes they smoked daily. This dual effect on both alcohol and smoking is particularly noteworthy, as both habits are major public health concerns. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, and alcohol misuse is responsible for more than 60 known illnesses, including liver disease, heart conditions, and various cancers. The fact that semaglutide appears to target both issues simultaneously makes it a potentially game-changing treatment.

The Burden of Alcohol Misuse and the Need for New Solutions

The findings of this study come at a critical time, as the impact of alcohol misuse continues to grow. According to data from Public Health England, more than 8,200 people died from alcohol-related causes in 2023—a staggering 42% increase compared to 2019. Alcohol is also a known contributor to over 60 illnesses, making it one of the most significant health challenges facing society today. Despite the severity of the problem, only two medications are currently approved to reduce alcohol consumption, and they are not widely used. This highlights the urgent need for more effective and accessible treatments for alcohol use disorder.

Breaking Barriers: The Potential for Broad Adoption of Semaglutide

One of the most promising aspects of this study is the potential for semaglutide to be widely adopted as a treatment for alcohol use disorder. Unlike existing medications, which are not commonly prescribed or used, semaglutide is already widely recognized and prescribed for weight loss and diabetes. Its popularity and established use in other areas could pave the way for its adoption in treating alcohol addiction. As Professor Christian Hendershot, who led the study, noted, "The popularity of Ozempic and other similar drugs increases the chances of broad adoption of these treatments for alcohol use disorder." This could mean that more people struggling with alcohol use disorder could access effective treatment in the near future.

The Future of Addiction Treatment: A New Era of Promise

The results of this study mark a new era of hope for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder and smoking. By leveraging the known benefits of semaglutide, researchers have uncovered a potential solution to two of the most pressing public health issues of our time. As the medical community continues to explore the full potential of these drugs, there is growing optimism that they could revolutionize the treatment of addiction. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and optimal dosage of semaglutide for these purposes, the initial findings are nothing short of promising. For those battling addiction, this could be the turning point they’ve been waiting for.