GLP-1 Medications Show Promise in Reducing Opioid Overdose and Alcohol Intoxication Rates

A recent study published in Addiction suggests that medications commonly prescribed for diabetes and obesity may also significantly reduce the risk of opioid overdose and alcohol intoxication in individuals with substance use disorders. The study, which is the largest of its kind to date, highlights the potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonists to offer a novel approach to addressing opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Researchers analyzed data from over half a million individuals with OUD and nearly a million individuals with AUD. The study found that individuals with OUD who were prescribed GLP-1 RAs or GIP agonists experienced a 40 percent lower rate of opioid overdose. Similarly, individuals with AUD who were on the same medications had a 50 percent lower rate of alcohol intoxication compared to those not prescribed the medications.

The overlap between addiction and the brain's reward system may explain this effect. GLP-1 RAs, such as Ozempic, and GIP agonists like Mounjaro, interact with the mesolimbic system—the brain region responsible for reward and addictive behaviors. These medications were originally designed to treat diabetes and weight-related conditions by reducing appetite and promoting a sense of satisfaction. The mesolimbic system’s involvement in both eating behaviors and substance use suggests that GLP-1 RAs could influence the reward pathways associated with addiction.

While previous studies have primarily focused on animal models and small-scale clinical trials, this study represents a major step forward in understanding how these medications might be applied to substance use disorders. The researchers analyzed 503,747 individuals with OUD and 817,309 individuals with AUD, providing robust evidence that GLP-1 and GIP medications could play a critical role in reducing the harmful consequences of opioid and alcohol misuse.

This study's findings offer hope for a new therapeutic avenue in treating substance use disorders. However, researchers said further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of these medications in substance use disorder treatment and to determine their full potential as part of a comprehensive approach to addiction care.