Sue Grigson, a neuroscientist in Pennsylvania, heard a story last April that’s becoming more common. A man wrote to her saying he quit opioids and alcohol after starting treatment with GLP-1 agonists, the popular drugs for obesity. Similar stories are popping up online from people who have stopped smoking or using other substances after starting semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Early scientific data suggest this effect is real. A clinical study in JAMA Psychiatry found that weekly GLP-1 injections cut down alcohol use. Another study showed up to a 66% reduction in people with substance abuse issues. More than a dozen studies are looking into this new potential use of these drugs.
GLP-1 doesn’t just regulate sugar; it also impacts the brain’s reward system, which is activated by food, sex, and addictive substances. In animal studies, these drugs have lowered cravings for alcohol, nicotine, and stimulants. Newer clinical data suggest they might reduce dopamine release and withdrawal anxiety, hinting at a possible ‘dual action.’
Pharmaceutical companies are already taking action. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are studying alcohol abuse, while Grigson is exploring their use for opioid dependence. However, the significant weight loss from GLP-1 presents a challenge. It’s still unclear if dependence returns after stopping the treatment.
