A groundbreaking medication offers hope for a cure for alcoholism. W. Kyle Simmons, a professor of pharmacology and physiology at Oklahoma State University in Tulsa, seeks to gain a deeper understanding of its effects. He explains that these medications may suppress the brain’s reward system, reducing cravings for food, alcohol, and drugs. This could potentially help individuals abstain or consume less. Simmons leads the Semaglutide Therapy for Alcohol Reduction — Tulsa (STAR-T) clinical trial, investigating how semaglutide impacts individuals with alcohol use disorder at a biological level.
Simmons and his team are monitoring participants’ responses to semaglutide using neuroimaging to observe changes in brain activity and behavior. Preliminary findings have shown a connection between semaglutide prescriptions and lower risks of alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and opioid use disorder. However, further research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy as a treatment.
Collaborating with Dr. Lorenzo Leggio from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Simmons is part of a significant research effort to explore the potential of semaglutide in treating alcohol use disorder. Leggio emphasizes the importance of finding new medications for this condition, as currently only a small percentage of individuals receive FDA-approved treatments in the United States.
Experts like Joseph Schacht from the University of Colorado are also researching the use of semaglutide as a treatment for alcohol addiction. They believe that there is a critical need for more effective therapies for alcohol use disorder, and they are hopeful that GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide may offer a promising solution.
In addition to medication, experts stress the importance of holistic approaches to treating addiction. They hope that successful medication treatments will help change the perception of alcohol use disorder as a disease rather than a moral failing, providing individuals with a better understanding and control over their condition.
“Taking a holistic approach,” remarked Dr. Manassa Hany, the director of addiction psychiatry at Northwell’s Zucker Hillside and South Oaks hospitals in New York, “is crucial. It’s not simply about prescribing a pill to a person. It requires addressing various aspects such as socioeconomic factors, psychological well-being, existing mental and medical conditions, and support systems.” Hany emphasized that just like other treatments, semaglutide is likely to come with its own set of challenges in terms of cost and effectiveness. “I believe it will function similarly to any other medication,” he explained. “It may prove effective for some individuals while not yielding the desired results for others.”
Discussing the potential of semaglutide in treating alcohol addiction, Simmons raised important issues regarding its integration into treatment plans and its role in fostering long-term recovery. “One approach in addiction medicine could involve administering these drugs to individuals within the initial six months or year of recovery to help mitigate cravings and provide a window for utilizing additional resources.”
This uncertainty surrounding the future use of semaglutide is a source of concern for Stainbrook, as her insurance coverage for the medication was discontinued as of January 1. Expressing her fears, she stated, “Currently, I don’t view myself as having a drinking problem. However, I am aware that discontinuing the medication may lead me back down that path. That’s what worries me.”
