Science Friday Can GLP-1 drugs treat addiction?
Apr 9, 2026
Sarah Carstens, addictions clinical director who treats patients, and Joseph Schacht, addiction researcher running GLP-1 clinical trials, discuss GLP-1 drugs and reports of reduced cravings. They cover types of evidence, how these drugs might change motivation to drink, brain mechanisms and access, the need for therapy alongside meds, and why caution and trials matter.
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Patient Reports Instant Loss Of Alcohol Craving
- Brian started semaglutide for diabetes and within days said his craving for alcohol vanished like a light switch.
- He had long-standing heavy drinking tied to Wisconsin college culture and depression, making the sudden loss of craving striking.
Three Lines Of Evidence For GLP-1 Effects On Substance Use
- Evidence comes from animal studies, large electronic health record analyses, and a few small randomized trials with mixed results.
- Animal models show reduced intake; one small semaglutide trial found less craving and consumption, but more trials are pending.
Drugs Dampen Desire Not Just Cause Sickness
- GLP-1s likely reduce motivation to consume rather than only causing transient nausea.
- Schacht notes GI side effects occur in ~30–40% but the reduced interest in alcohol appears more sustained than brief sickness.