A recent study indicates that Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and similar GLP-1 medications may reduce patients' misuse of opioids and alcohol, further demonstrating the broad potential of GLP-1 drugs beyond treating obesity and diabetes.

This study was published on Thursday, October 17, in the journal *Addiction*. The research aims to further explore the growing potential uses of GLP-1 and seeks to address the troubling issue of opioid addiction among patients.

An analysis conducted on 500,000 opioid-addicted patients revealed that those using GLP-1 medications had a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose compared to those who did not take GLP-1 medications. Additionally, similar comparative research was conducted among alcoholics. The results showed that among over 5,000 alcoholics using GLP-1 drugs, the rate of excessive drinking was 50% lower compared to those not using GLP-1.

New Treatment Options

The lead researcher, Dr. Fares Qeadan, an associate professor of biostatistics at Loyola University Chicago, noted that these findings provide significant preliminary evidence of a relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as Ozempic) and a reduction in the incidence of overdose among patients with opioid and alcohol addiction.

Qeadan explained that GLP-1 receptors can stimulate insulin production and slow the passage of food through the stomach; these receptors are also present in the brain and are linked to the psychological factor of "craving."

Professor Matt Field, a psychologist at the University of Sheffield in the UK, pointed out that this study addresses "extreme cases of substance addiction." He added, "While Ozempic may help prevent people from overdosing on alcohol or opioids, it may not actually help them reduce their overall substance use or quit entirely."

This study comes at a time when many Americans are suffering from the pain caused by opioid misuse. Data indicates that in 2023, more than 81,000 people in the U.S. died from opioid overdoses, a 3.7% decrease from the previous year.

Naloxone is currently a widely used medication for treating overdoses, and researchers are working to improve its effectiveness. Qeadan noted that GLP-1 medications could become a new treatment option, especially for those who do not respond fully to existing treatments.

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