This popular medication proves effective... against alcohol and tobacco addiction 🍷

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, could revolutionize the treatment of alcohol and tobacco-related disorders. A recent study reveals that this molecule, already used for diabetes and obesity, significantly reduces cravings for drinking and smoking.


These results, published in JAMA Psychiatry, open new perspectives for the millions of people suffering from addictions. While current treatments remain underutilized, semaglutide could offer an effective and widely accessible alternative.

A promising clinical trial

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California, involved 48 adults with alcohol use disorders. Participants received weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo for nine weeks.

The results show a marked reduction in alcohol consumption among those treated with semaglutide. On average, they reduced their consumption by nearly 30%, compared to only 2% in the placebo group.

Furthermore, nearly 40% of participants on semaglutide reported no days of heavy drinking during the last month of treatment, compared to 20% in the placebo group. These effects appear superior to those of currently available treatments.

Effects extended to nicotine

The study also revealed positive effects on tobacco use. Smokers on semaglutide reduced their daily cigarette count more significantly than those on placebo. This reduction was particularly notable among regular smokers, with an average decrease of 30% in the number of cigarettes consumed per day. These results suggest that semaglutide may act on the reward mechanisms associated with addiction, whether to alcohol or nicotine.

Researchers observed that semaglutide's effects on nicotine seem to follow a dynamic similar to that observed for alcohol. By influencing brain circuits associated with pleasure and reward, the medication could reduce the urge to smoke. This hypothesis is supported by preclinical studies on animal models, where semaglutide showed an ability to reduce addictive substance-seeking behaviors.

This discovery paves the way for new research on the use of semaglutide in combating addiction. If these results are confirmed by larger clinical trials, the medication could become a major therapeutic option for people dependent on nicotine. By combining its effects on alcohol and tobacco, semaglutide would represent a significant advance in addiction treatment, a field where current treatments often remain insufficient or underused.

To go further: What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a hormone involved in regulating blood sugar and appetite. Initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes (via the medication called "Ozempic"), it is also approved for weight management under the name "Wegovy".

Its effects on reducing food cravings have been widely documented. However, its impact on other addictions, such as alcohol and tobacco, is a recent discovery.

What are the challenges of alcohol-related disorders?

Alcohol is responsible for nearly 178,000 deaths annually in the United States and 41,000 in France. Disorders related to its consumption are often underdiagnosed and undertreated, despite their impact on public health.

Current treatments, such as naltrexone or acamprosate, are underused due to their side effects or limited efficacy. Semaglutide could fill this therapeutic gap, offering a more accessible and better-tolerated option.