Could a Weekly Shot Help People Drink Less? What New Science Says About GLP-1 Drugs
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If you or someone you love has struggled with alcohol use, you know how hard it can be to find help that actually works. That’s why new research on GLP-1 drugs is so exciting - and worth understanding.
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
Notable GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have gotten a lot of attention for helping people lose weight. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in GLP-1 medications, works by helping the body control blood sugar, slowing digestion, and signaling to the brain that you're full.1 They also seem to affect the part of the brain tied to cravings and reward — which is why researchers think they might help with more than just weight.1
Encouraging News for People Living With Alcohol Use Disorder
A major new study in The Lancet looked at whether semaglutide could help people reduce heavy drinking. The study followed 108 people in Denmark who were seeking help for alcohol use disorder — most of them in their early 50s.2
For 26 weeks, participants received either a weekly semaglutide shot or a comparison shot, while also being offered up to 10 talk therapy sessions focused on motivation, coping, and relapse prevention.2
The findings were meaningful: people who received semaglutide had 41.1% fewer heavy drinking days compared to where they started — a significantly greater improvement than those who received the comparison shot.2 Side effects were mostly mild stomach discomfort that tended to ease over time.2
It's also worth knowing that not everyone responded the same way, even at the highest dose. Every person's journey is different, and this is just one promising tool among many.2
Looking Ahead
GLP-1 drugs are turning out to be much more than weight loss tools. For people living with alcohol use disorder, the science is pointing toward real, meaningful relief. While the research is in its early stages, semaglutide seems to be a promising option worth exploring.
Samantha Patterson, CHES®, is a certified Health Education Specialist and summa cum laude graduate from Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions. She shares approachable, evidence-based guidance for building sustainable health habits that are realistic, flexible, and supportive of everyday life.
1 Dang, A. B., Portingale, J., & Won, Y. Q. (2025). Beyond weight loss: GLP-1 usage and appetite regulation in the context of eating disorders and psychosocial processes. Nutrients, 17(23), 3735. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233735
2 Klausen, M. K., et al. (2026). Once-weekly semaglutide versus placebo in patients with alcohol use disorder and comorbid obesity. The Lancet, 407(10540), 1687–1698. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(26)00305-3
