GLP-1 Drug Semaglutide Reduces Heavy Drinking Days by 50% in Alcohol Use Disorder Trial

May 2, 2026

A clinical trial published in The Lancet involving 108 adults with both obesity and alcohol use disorder demonstrates that once-weekly semaglutide injections reduced heavy drinking days by approximately 12 days over a 30-day period, a 50% greater reduction than the eight-day decrease observed in the placebo group. The study enrolled participants who were actively seeking treatment for alcohol use and had co-occurring obesity. The findings suggest that semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug primarily used for metabolic conditions, may have therapeutic potential for treating alcohol use disorder, opening new avenues for addiction pharmacotherapy research and potential regulatory applications.

Semaglutide trial results for alcohol use disorder

▪The semaglutide alcohol use disorder study is published in The Lancet.
▪The placebo group in the semaglutide alcohol use disorder trial experienced an eight-day reduction in heavy drinking days.
▪Semaglutide was administered as a once-weekly injection in the alcohol use disorder trial.
▪The reduction in heavy drinking days with semaglutide was 50% higher than the eight-day reduction seen in the placebo group.
▪A trial of semaglutide in adults with obesity and alcohol use disorder reduced heavy drinking days in the past 30 days by an average of roughly 12 days.

Study design and participant characteristics

▪The semaglutide alcohol use disorder trial included 108 adults.
▪Participants in the semaglutide alcohol use disorder trial had obesity.
▪Participants in the semaglutide alcohol use disorder trial were seeking treatment for alcohol use.

Perspective of Addiction treatment researchers

▪Semaglutide shows promise as a potential treatment option for alcohol use disorder based on the trial results.
▪The semaglutide trial results suggest GLP-1 drugs may have applications beyond metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes.

Perspective of Pharmaceutical companies developing GLP-1 drugs

▪The semaglutide alcohol use disorder trial results could support regulatory approval for new treatment indications.
▪GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide may represent a new revenue opportunity in the addiction treatment pharmaceutical market.