ByJordan King
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Hundreds of veterans are set to participate in a national clinical trial investigating whether semaglutide—the active ingredient in widely prescribed diabetes and weight-loss medications like Ozempic—can effectively treat alcohol addiction
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the new trial on Thursday, responding to a significant health challenge within the veteran community. According to VA data, more than 400,000 veterans across the country are currently diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Titled the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans trial, the study builds on mounting scientific interest regarding the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists to impact addictive behaviors. These medications mimic naturally occurring hormones that regulate blood sugar, appetite, and the brain’s reward pathways
“This clinical trial reflects medical research that VA is uniquely situated to launch, and is aimed directly at benefitting Veterans,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement. “By exploring emerging treatment options like the use of a GLP-1 for AUD, we aim to expand the tools available to help Veterans take control of their health and recovery.”
How Will the VA Alcohol Use Disorder Trial Work?
The trial will enroll more than 600 veterans across 18 VA medical centers nationwide. Trials represent critical large-scale evaluations designed to verify treatment efficacy within specific patient groups while maintaining rigorous safety and side-effect monitoring
Trial Parameters:
- Participant Criteria: Eligible individuals must be between 18 and 80 years old and diagnosed with moderate or severe AUD.
- Evaluation Metrics: Participants will receive weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo over a 24‑week period, followed by a safety follow‑up.
- Timeline: Participant recruitment began on July 28. Researchers will track changes in drinking, health, and quality of life to determine whether the medication offers a meaningful new treatment option.
For more information about participation, veterans can contact their local VA medical center or visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search for the trial
The trial was prompted by an earlier observational study involving U.S. veterans with Type 2 diabetes. That research indicated that patients prescribed GLP-1 medications experienced lower rates of alcohol and substance use disorders compared to peers on alternative regimens. Furthermore, GLP-1 usage correlated with reduced emergency department visits and hospitalizations among individuals with pre-existing substance challenges. Because the research identified associations rather than proving the medications caused those outcomes, a controlled trial is needed to test semaglutide’s effectiveness.
The VA cautioned veterans against self-medicating with GLP-1 drugs or using them as a substitute for established AUD treatments. The department advised patients to consult their health care providers before changing their treatment
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Which VA Medical Centers Are Taking Part?
- Ann Arbor VA Health Care System — Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Charles George VA Medical Center — Asheville, North Carolina
- Durham VA Medical Center — Durham, North Carolina
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital — Hines, Illinois
- George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center — Salt Lake City
- Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center — Decatur, Georgia
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center — Cleveland
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center — Houston
- Minneapolis VA Medical Center — Minneapolis
- Orlando VA Medical Center — Orlando, Florida
- Palo Alto VA Medical Center — Palo Alto, California
- Philadelphia VA Healthcare System — Philadelphia
- Portland VA Medical Center — Portland, Oregon
- Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center — Long Beach, California
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System — Los Angeles
- VA North Texas Health Care System — Dallas
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System — Seattle
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital — Madison, Wisconsin
Why AUD Is a Concern for Veterans
AUD, often referred to as “alcoholism,” is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control drinking despite harmful social, occupational or health consequences. The condition can range from mild to severe
A nationally representative study cited by the VA found that 40.8 percent of veterans had met the diagnostic criteria for AUD at some point in their lives, while more than 10.5 percent met the criteria for probable alcohol use disorder in the previous year. Rates vary by age and tend to be higher among younger veterans
Problematic alcohol use can overlap with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. Veterans who have experienced PTSD are twice as likely to have problems with alcohol as veterans without a history of the disorder, according to the VA’s National Center for PTSD
Veterans who screen positive for both probable AUD and PTSD have been found to face greater risks of depression, anxiety and suicidal behavior than those with alcohol use disorder alone. The VA says the two conditions can be treated at the same time through therapy, medication or a combination of approaches
Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Matthew Robinson and Anthony Murray
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