Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity could help reduce risk of addiction to substances like cannabis, alcohol, and cocaine. The corresponding study was published in The BMJ.
“As use of GLP-1 receptor agonists increased, patients started reporting something unexpected. Not only were their appetites smaller, but they also had a sudden loss of craving—sometimes even distaste—for alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs after years of use and repeated failed attempts to quit,” wrote study author Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, Chief of the Research and Development Service at Washington University School of Medicine, in an opinion piece.
“My team and I began asking whether GLP-1 receptor agonists dampen craving and reward signalling beyond food,” he added.
This question led to the current study, where Al-Aly and colleagues investigated whether GLP-1 receptor agonists could prevent substance use disorders (SUDs) and reduce harm for people living with addiction. For the study, they analyzed data from eight parallel trials involving over 606, 000 US veterans with type 2 diabetes. Participants received either a GLP-1 receptor agonist or another diabetes drug: a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.
Ultimately, among veterans with no history of SUD, starting GLP-1 receptor agonists was linked to a 14% lower risk of developing a SUD. Specifically, these people had an 18% lower chance of developing alcohol use disorder, a 14% lower risk of cannabis use disorder, and a 25% lower risk of misusing opioids than those taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Those taking GLP-1 inhibitors were also 20% less likely to misuse cocaine and nicotine.
Among veterans with pre-existing SUD, GLP-1 receptor agonist use was linked to 31% fewer SUD-related visits to the emergency department, 26% fewer hospital admissions, 50% fewer deaths, 39% lower risk of overdose, and a 25% lower risk of suicidal ideation or attempt.
The findings suggest a potential role for GLP-1 receptor agonists in preventing and treating various SUDs, wrote the researchers, and thus warrant further evaluation.
Sources: The BMJ, The BMJ Opinion, Eurekalert
