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This Breakthrough Weight-Loss Drug Reduced Heavy Drinking. Scientists Think They Know Why
GLP-1 drugs are already linked to weight loss and lower blood sugar. Now researchers say oral semaglutide may also curb alcohol abuse
Aug 1, 2026
Illustration: Inc.; Photos: Adobe Stock
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In recent years, semaglutides have revolutionized health care. GLP-1 drugs have been linked to weight loss, lower blood sugar, and improved mental health. New research suggests they may also curb alcohol abuse
The last FDA-approved medication for alcohol-use disorder was approved over twenty years ago. But a new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz may change that
The study, which was published in the peer-reviewed American Journal of Psychiatry, found that the drug reduced heavy drinking and alcohol-related harm in adults with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Joseph Schacht, PhD, one of the lead authors of the study, told Inc. that semaglutide significantly reduced alcohol cravings in day-to-day life.
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“This suggests that semaglutide may not affect momentary alcohol craving (for example, sudden craving when alcohol is available at a party),” Schacht told Inc., adding that the findings suggest the at the drug “may affect ‘tonic’ craving (the more frequent, background thoughts about drinking that some people call alcohol ‘noise’).”
The study looked at 50 adults who were seeking treatment for moderate-to-severe AUD in an eight-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They found that those who took the oral semaglutides experienced the following:
- Fewer heavy drinking days
- Reduced alcohol consumption per drinking occasion
- Lower day-to-day alcohol cravings
- Fewer alcohol-related problems
- Improved overall drinking risk level
- Reduced cannabis use days
The findings suggest that oral semaglutide can help those struggling with AUD reduce drinking—even without full abstinence.
