Nature Podcast Audio long read: Will blockbuster obesity drugs revolutionize addiction treatment?
Dec 29, 2025
Curious connections are emerging between GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and addiction treatment. Anecdotal evidence suggests semaglutide helps users curb addiction urges, while early clinical trials show promise for reducing alcohol consumption. Neuroscientists reveal how these drugs interact with brain regions linked to craving and motivation. Ongoing research explores the potential of GLP-1 medications to tackle various addictions, alongside mixed outcomes for other conditions like dementia and depression. Excitement builds, but caution remains as science continues to unfold.
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Semaglutide Freed One Man From Addiction
- A man emailed Sue Grigson saying semaglutide helped him become drug- and alcohol-free for the first time in his adult life.
- This personal report sparked wider interest and spread through forums and news despite being anecdotal.
Clinical Trials Show Early Promise
- A randomized trial led by Christian Hendershot found weekly semaglutide injections cut alcohol consumption in people with substance use disorder.
- Over a dozen randomized clinical studies of GLP-1 drugs for addiction are now underway globally.
Same Targets For Hunger And Craving
- GLP-1 drugs act on receptors in pancreas, gut and brain, reducing appetite and signaling fullness.
- The same brain regions affected by these drugs also control reward and motivation tied to addictive behaviours.