The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a new clinical trial to investigate whether semaglutide, an ingredient in widely used diabetes and weight-loss medications like Ozempic, can treat alcohol addiction in veterans. This trial addresses a significant health issue as more than 400,000 veterans have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Trial Overview
Named the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans trial, this study builds on research into the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists to affect addictive behaviors. These medications mimic hormones that regulate blood sugar, appetite, and the brain’s reward systems.
VA Secretary Doug Collins stated, “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.”
Trial Details
The trial will involve over 600 veterans across 18 VA medical centers throughout the country. Trials offer large-scale assessments to verify treatment effectiveness within specific patient populations while ensuring safety and monitoring for side effects.
Participant Criteria: Individuals aged 18 to 80 with moderate to severe AUD are eligible.
Evaluation Metrics: Participants will receive weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo for 24 weeks, with a safety follow-up.
Timeline: Recruitment started on July 28. Researchers will assess changes in drinking patterns, health, and quality of life to determine the treatment’s potential.
For participation details, veterans can contact their local VA medical center or visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
The Need for the Trial
This trial stems from an observational study involving U.S. veterans with Type 2 diabetes, which noted lower rates of alcohol and substance use disorders among veterans prescribed GLP-1 medications. These veterans also experienced fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The associations found necessitate a controlled trial to evaluate semaglutide’s effectiveness.
The VA advises against self-medicating with GLP-1 drugs or using them as substitutes for established AUD treatments. Veterans should consult healthcare providers before making treatment changes.
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
Understanding AUD in Veterans
AUD, commonly known as alcoholism, impairs the ability to control drinking despite its negative consequences. A national study found that 40.8% of veterans met the criteria for AUD at some point in their lives, while 10.5% met the criteria within the past year. Younger veterans have higher rates.
AUD often intersects with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. Veterans with PTSD are twice as likely to experience alcohol problems compared to those without. Veterans screening positive for both AUD and PTSD face greater risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior. The VA notes these conditions can be treated simultaneously through therapy, medication, or combined approaches.
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