Recent research indicates that weight loss and type 2 diabetes medications could potentially assist individuals grappling with alcohol abuse issues. The study revealed that patients receiving these common injections experienced a 50% reduction in alcohol intoxication rates compared to those not prescribed the drugs.
Published in the journal Addiction, the study highlights the potential of these medications, specifically glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) drugs like Mounjaro and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) such as Ozempic. Researchers speculate that these drugs may help combat addiction due to their effects on appetite regulation and their influence on brain regions associated with addictive behaviors.
Led by experts at Loyola University Chicago, the study analyzed data from 503,747 individuals with a history of opioid use disorder. Among them, 8,103 had been prescribed a GLP-1 RA or GIP. The findings showed that individuals with this disorder who were on these medications had a 40% lower incidence of opioid overdose compared to their peers without such prescriptions.
Additionally, the study examined 817,309 individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder, finding that 5,621 had prescriptions for a GLP-1 RA or GIP. Those with alcohol use disorder and a prescription showed a remarkable 50% decrease in alcohol intoxication rates relative to those without the medication.
The authors of the study advocate for further exploration of these medications as innovative pharmacotherapy options for treating both alcohol and opioid addictions. As the conversation around addiction treatment evolves, these findings may pave the way for new approaches in addressing substance abuse challenges.
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