GLP-1 drugs linked to lower addiction and overdose risk in 600,000-veteran study
A study of more than 600,000 US veterans found GLP-1 weight-loss drugs were linked to lower rates of substance use disorders across alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and opioids. Among people already addicted, overdoses fell about 40 percent and drug-related deaths by roughly half. Researchers at WashU Medicine say the drugs appear to blunt craving itself; the findings are observational and clinical trials are next.
A WashU Medicine study in The BMJ tracked 606,434 US veterans with type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 users had a 14 percent lower risk of developing any substance use disorder, with reductions across alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and opioids. Among those already addicted: about 40 percent fewer overdoses and roughly 50 percent fewer drug-related deaths. Senior author Ziyad Al-Aly says the drugs may quiet craving across substances. Observational study; randomized trials needed.