Weight loss drug Ozempic and type 2 diabetes injections could potentially be utilised to combat binge drinking, according to a recent study published in the journal Addiction.
The study revealed that these commonly prescribed drugs led to a 50% lower rate of alcohol intoxication in individuals receiving them compared to those not on these medications. Additionally, researchers suggested that off-label use of these drugs could assist individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
The medications in question, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) drugs such as Mounjaro and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) like Ozempic, are believed to have an impact on appetite regulation and certain areas of the brain associated with addictive behaviours.
Health professionals have proposed that these drugs might help curb addictions due to their effects on appetite and addictive behaviour regulation. Previous trials have highlighted various health benefits linked to weight loss and type 2 diabetes medications, including improved heart health and increased life expectancy.
In response to these findings, Health Secretary Wes Streeting mentioned the possibility of administering weight-loss injections to unemployed individuals dealing with obesity issues. The UK government pledged £279 million to conduct trials on weight-loss injections and evaluate their impact on unemployment rates within the country’s life sciences sector.
The latest study, led by Loyola University Chicago in the US, analysed data from over 500,000 individuals with a history of opioid use disorder. Among them, over 8,000 had a prescription for a GLP-1 RA or GIP. The study revealed that those with the disorder and a prescription for these medications had a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose compared to those without a prescription.
Furthermore, the study involved over 800,000 individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder, with around 5,600 prescribed a GLP-1 RA or GIP. Individuals with alcohol use disorder who were prescribed these medications showed a 50% lower rate of alcohol intoxication compared to those without a prescription.
The researchers concluded that these results indicate the potential for weight loss and type 2 diabetes drugs to be explored as a novel pharmacotherapy option for individuals struggling with alcohol and opioid addiction.