VA to run trial of GLP-1 drug to treat alcohol abuse

The study aims to enroll more than 600 veterans at 18 VA medical centers.

The Department of Veterans Affairs on Thursday announced a clinical trial to test whether injectable semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug widely prescribed for diabetes and weight loss can also treat alcohol abuse, a longstanding problem in the military and veteran community.

Excessive drinking has steadily plagued military culture, and in some instances, it has been tolerated or normalized.

GLP-1s can dampen cravings and early research suggests they might help with alcoholism and even other substance abuse issues, at least in the short term. But research has been limited and is still in the early stages of understanding the full extent of their effectiveness, safety and long-term effects when used for addiction treatment.

The study plans to enroll more than 600 veterans at 18 VA medical centers, according to the agency.

“This clinical trial reflects medical research that VA is uniquely situated to launch, and is aimed directly at benefitting veterans,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement.

Participants will receive weekly injections of either a GLP-1 or a placebo for 28 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in alcohol consumption, overall health and quality of life to determine whether the drug offers a safe and effective new treatment option.

Alcohol abuse among veterans is a complex problem that affects different groups in different ways. By some estimates of federal data, 14% of veterans abuse alcohol compared to just under 10% of the general population.

Males and those who served in combat zones face a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorders, VA research shows. Veterans with traumatic brain injuries, the signature wound of the Iran war, may also be more likely to drink excessively, according to a 2020 study from the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion at Syracuse University.