What to know about how GLP-1 medications might fight addiction

Associated Press (AP) Public HealthNews ReportEN 4 min read 100% complete by By JONEL ALECCIAMarch 5, 2026 at 12:53 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

A new study published in *The BMJ* suggests that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, typically used for diabetes and obesity, may help prevent and reduce substance use disorders. Researchers analyzed electronic health records of over 600,000 U.S. Veterans Affairs patients with diabetes over three years, comparing those treated with GLP-1 drugs to those treated with other medications. The study found that patients taking GLP-1 drugs were less likely to develop addictions to substances like alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and opioids. Among those already addicted, GLP-1 drugs were linked to lower risks of hospitalization, overdose, and death. The findings indicate that GLP-1 medications may target the underlying causes of cravings, potentially benefiting the millions of Americans with substance use disorders.

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Technology

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

People taking GLP-1 drugs had a reduced risk for addiction: 18% for alcohol, 14% for cannabis, 20% for cocaine/nicotine, 25% for opioids.

statistic — null90% confidence

GLP-1 drugs were linked to lower risks of hospitalization, overdose and death in addicted individuals.

factual — null80% confidence

Using GLP-1 drugs likely prevented about seven cases of substance use disorder and 12 in

statistic — null70% confidence

GLP-1 drugs may help prevent multiple substance use disorders.

factual — null70% confidence

They’re actually working against the root cause of all these different addictions.

quote — Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly60% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Houston 40% The BMJ 40% VA St. Louis Health Care System 50% Mounjaro 60% U.S. Veterans Affairs ×270% Ziyad Al-Aly ×370% Ozempic ×380%

Keywords

addiction 100% glp-1 drugs 100% substance use disorder 90% ozempic 70% mounjaro 60% diabetes 60% alcohol 50% opioids 50% veterans affairs 50% nicotine 40%