VA to Test GLP-1 Drugs in 600 Veterans for Alcohol Use Disorder Over 25 Weeks
Updated
Updated · WSB Atlanta · Aug 15
VA to Test GLP-1 Drugs in 600 Veterans for Alcohol Use Disorder Over 25 Weeks
3 articles · Updated · WSB Atlanta · Aug 15
Summary
More than 600 veterans across 18 VA systems will be randomly selected for a 25-week trial testing GLP-1 drugs as a treatment for alcohol use disorder, with recruitment starting Oct. 19.
Doctors say the study was prompted by veterans already taking GLP-1 medicines such as Ozempic or Wegovy for diabetes who reported drinking less and feeling fewer alcohol cravings.
Atlanta VA physicians said local interest is already strong even before random selection begins, with veterans calling to ask about joining the trial.
The VA says more than 400,000 veterans nationwide have alcohol use disorder, and clinicians describe the study as the first major exploration of a new medication approach in decades.
If the trial produces definitive results, researchers hope GLP-1 treatment could eventually become available more broadly for people with alcohol use disorder.