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VA Announces Launch of GLP-1 Treatment to Help Veterans Struggling with Alcohol
The study will enroll more than 600 veterans and compare weekly semaglutide injections with placebo over 24 weeks, researchers said.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Thursday a nationwide clinical trial, the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans study, to test whether semaglutide can treat alcohol use disorder in veterans.
- Currently, more than 400,000 veterans are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, affecting nearly 11% of U.S. adults. Prior research linked GLP-1 medications to lower substance abuse rates and fewer emergency room visits.
- Recruitment began July 28 for the trial, enrolling more than 600 veterans ages 18 to 80 across 18 medical centers. Participants will receive weekly injections of semaglutide or placebo for 24 weeks, with researchers tracking "changes in drinking, health, and quality of life."
- Secretary Doug Collins stated the VA is "uniquely situated" to launch this research, aiming to expand treatment tools for veterans. Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, lead researcher at VA St. Louis Health Care System, said the drugs are "working against the root cause of all these different addictions."
- Although the Food and Drug Administration has not approved semaglutide for alcohol use disorder, the department cautioned veterans against self-medication without consulting a health care provider. Larger controlled trials remain necessary to establish safety and efficacy.
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Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center19Last UpdatedBias Distribution73% Center
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73% Center
15%
C 73%
12%
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