VA Launches Clinical Trial on Semaglutide for Alcohol Addiction in Veterans

Hundreds of veterans are participating in a national clinical trial to investigate semaglutide, an active ingredient in medications like Ozempic, for treating alcohol addiction. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced this new trial as a response to a significant health issue within the veteran community.

VA data indicates that over 400,000 veterans across the U.S. are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study, named the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans trial, explores the growing scientific interest in using GLP-1 receptor agonists to impact addictive behaviors. These medications imitate hormones that regulate blood sugar, appetite, and the brain’s reward pathways.

“This clinical trial reflects medical research that VA is uniquely situated to launch, and is aimed directly at benefiting Veterans,” stated VA Secretary Doug Collins. “By exploring emerging treatment options like the use of a GLP-1 for AUD, we aim to expand the tools available to help Veterans take control of their health and recovery.”

How Will the VA Alcohol Use Disorder Trial Work?

The trial will enroll over 600 veterans at 18 VA medical centers nationwide. These trials are essential for evaluating treatment efficacy in specific patient groups while monitoring safety and side effects rigorously.

Trial Parameters:

• Participant Criteria: Individuals aged 18 to 80, diagnosed with moderate or severe AUD, are eligible.
• Evaluation Metrics: Participants will receive weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo over 24 weeks, followed by a safety follow-up.
• Timeline: Recruitment started on July 28. Researchers will track drinking habits, health, and quality of life changes to assess whether the medication is a viable new treatment option.

For more details about participation, veterans can contact their local VA medical center or search for the trial on ClinicalTrials.gov.

The trial results from an earlier observational study involving U.S. veterans with Type 2 diabetes. It observed that GLP-1 medications correlate with lower rates of alcohol and substance use disorders compared to other regimens. Moreover, GLP-1 usage linked to reduced emergency visits and hospitalizations among individuals facing substance challenges. However, as this research pointed to associations rather than causation, a controlled trial is necessary to test semaglutide’s effectiveness.

The VA advises against self-medicating with GLP-1 drugs or substituting them for established AUD treatments. Veterans should consult healthcare providers before altering 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

Why AUD Is a Concern for Veterans

Alcohol use disorder, often called alcoholism, is a condition marked by an inability to control drinking despite negative social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can range from mild to severe.

A study cited by the VA reported that 40.8% of veterans met the diagnostic criteria for AUD at some point, with over 10.5% meeting the criteria for probable AUD in the previous year. These rates vary by age, typically higher in younger veterans.

Problematic alcohol use can overlap with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. Veterans with PTSD are twice as likely to have alcohol problems compared to those without such a history, according to the VA’s National Center for PTSD.

Veterans screened positive for both probable AUD and PTSD face higher risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior. The VA indicates these conditions can be treated simultaneously using therapy, medication, or a combination of approaches.