Written by Steve B | Updated on Feb 16, 2025
New Research Shows Promise: Ozempic May Help Reduce Alcohol and Tobacco Use
A groundbreaking study from the University of Southern California has revealed promising new applications for semaglutide medications like Ozempic, suggesting they may help reduce both alcohol consumption and smoking habits. This development could offer new hope for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
The Study: Key Findings
The research, conducted in February 2025, focused on 48 participants diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. The study included both men and women who met specific criteria for heavy drinking patterns:
– Women participants had consumed more than seven drinks per week in the previous month
– Male participants had consumed more than 14 drinks per week in the previous month
– All participants had experienced at least two heavy drinking episodes
Significant Results
The nine-week trial yielded several promising outcomes for participants receiving low doses of semaglutide compared to those receiving a placebo. The medication showed multiple benefits:
– Reduced weekly alcohol cravings
– Decreased average drinks consumed on drinking days
– Fewer heavy drinking episodes
– Reduced cigarette consumption among participants who smoked
According to Professor Christian Hendershot, the study’s lead researcher, these findings could have far-reaching implications: “The popularity of Ozempic and other [similar drugs] increases the chances of broad adoption of these treatments for alcohol use disorder.”
The Context: Why This Matters
The research comes at a crucial time. According to Public Health England data, alcohol-related deaths reached 8,200 in 2023—a stark 42% increase from 2019 levels. Alcohol has been identified as a contributing factor in more than 60 different illnesses.
Currently, only two medications are approved for reducing alcohol consumption, and neither is widely used. This new application of semaglutide medications could provide healthcare providers with an additional tool in treating alcohol use disorder.
Understanding Semaglutide Medications
Semaglutide medications like Ozempic were initially developed and approved for:
– Type 2 diabetes management
– Weight loss treatment (particularly Wegovy)
This new research suggests these medications might have even broader applications in treating various forms of substance use.
Important Considerations
While these findings are encouraging, it’s important to note that:
– The study was relatively small (48 participants)
– Further research will be needed to confirm long-term effectiveness
– Treatment for substance use disorders should always be undertaken under medical supervision
– These medications require prescription and medical oversight
Looking Forward
This research opens new possibilities for treating substance use disorders. As noted by the research team, the widespread familiarity with Ozempic could help reduce stigma and increase acceptance of medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder.
Sources and References
This article is based on reporting from Sky News, published February 12, 2025, and includes data from:
– University of Southern California research study (2025)
– Public Health England statistics (2023)
*For anyone struggling with alcohol use disorder or seeking support for substance use, please reach out to healthcare providers or contact national helplines for guidance. Treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with qualified medical professionals.*
*Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with healthcare providers about treatment options.*
Steve B
Steve is a tech lead for digital publishing, security, and tech performance enhancement.
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