Veterans Participate in Semaglutide Trial for Alcohol Use Disorder

Hundreds of veterans are set to join a national clinical trial to explore if semaglutide, found in diabetes and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, can treat alcohol addiction. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the new trial, addressing a significant health issue within the veteran community. VA data shows over 400,000 veterans in the U.S. are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Trial Focus and Objectives

The trial, named the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans trial, examines GLP-1 receptor agonists due to their growing scientific interest in managing addictive behaviors. These medications mimic hormones that control blood sugar, appetite, and the brain’s reward pathways.

VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized the trial’s importance, stating, “This trial aims directly at benefitting veterans by exploring emerging treatment options like GLP-1 for AUD.” The trial seeks to broaden the available tools for veterans to manage their health and recovery effectively.

Trial Details and Procedure

The VA trial will include over 600 veterans across 18 VA medical centers nationwide. These trials are essential for assessing treatment efficacy within patient groups while ensuring safety and monitoring side effects.

Trial Parameters

• Participant Criteria: Veterans aged 18 to 80 with moderate or severe AUD are eligible.
• Evaluation Metrics: Participants receive weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo for 24 weeks, followed by safety follow-up.
• Timeline: Participant recruitment began on July 28. Researchers will monitor changes in drinking, health, and quality of life to evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness.

For further participation information, veterans can contact their local VA medical centers or check ClinicalTrials.gov under the trial’s name.

Previous Research and Warnings

The trial stemmed from an earlier study of U.S. veterans with Type 2 diabetes. This research showed that GLP-1 medications linked with reduced alcohol and substance use disorders and fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations in substance-challenged individuals. However, since the study indicated associations but did not prove causation, controlled trials are crucial for testing semaglutide’s effectiveness.

The VA advises veterans against self-prescribing GLP-1 drugs or replacing them with established AUD treatments. It recommends consulting healthcare providers before changing their treatment plans.

Participating VA Medical Centers

• Ann Arbor VA Health Care System — Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Charles George VA Medical Center — Asheville, North Carolina
• Durham VA Medical Center — Durham, North Carolina
• Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital — Hines, Illinois
• George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center — Salt Lake City
• Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center — Decatur, Georgia
• Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center — Cleveland
• Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center — Houston
• Minneapolis VA Medical Center — Minneapolis
• Orlando VA Medical Center — Orlando, Florida
• Palo Alto VA Medical Center — Palo Alto, California
• Philadelphia VA Healthcare System — Philadelphia
• Portland VA Medical Center — Portland, Oregon
• Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center — Long Beach, California
• VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System — Los Angeles
• VA North Texas Health Care System — Dallas
• VA Puget Sound Health Care System — Seattle
• William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital — Madison, Wisconsin

AUD Concerns Among Veterans

AUD, commonly referred to as alcoholism, impairs an individual’s ability to stop or control drinking despite negative societal, occupational, or health effects. The condition ranges from mild to severe. A national study cited by the VA found 40.8% of veterans had AUD at some point, with over 10.5% having probable AUD in the past year. Younger veterans tend to have higher rates.

AUD can overlap with mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans with PTSD are twice as likely to face alcohol problems compared to those without it, according to the VA’s National Center for PTSD. Those with both AUD and PTSD face increased risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior. The VA states that simultaneous treatment through therapy, medication, or both is effective.