The massive research analyzed extra 500,000 individuals with a historical past of opioid use dysfunction and greater than 800,000 with alcohol use dysfunction. Outcomes present that those that took Ozempic or an identical GLP-1 receptor agonist drug (that are authorised to deal with situations similar to kind 2 diabetes or weight problems) had a 40 p.c decrease likelihood of overdosing on opioids and a 50 p.c decrease danger of getting drunk in comparison with those that did not take the remedy.
Lead analysis creator Fares Qeadan, PhD, an affiliate professor of public well being sciences at Loyola College Chicago, says this analysis might provide a brand new answer for treating substance use issues.
“Historically, substance use dysfunction remedies concentrate on addressing the signs and physiological results of substance use immediately,” Qeadan tells Nicely+Good. “GLP-1 receptor agonists, nonetheless, seem to work on the mind’s reward pathways, probably decreasing cravings and the probability of extreme outcomes like overdose and intoxication.”
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Qeadan says the accessibility of GLP-1s is one other optimistic issue in the event that they grow to be a reliable therapy possibility for substance use.
“There’s a stigma surrounding a number of the current drugs used to deal with opioid and alcohol use issues, together with entry limitations for a lot of sufferers,” Qeadan says. “GLP-1 receptor agonists might present a extra broadly accepted therapy various, probably bettering entry and decreasing stigma round looking for therapy for substance use issues.”
Extra analysis is critical to show that GLP-1 drugs immediately decrease the danger of opioid overdose and alcohol intoxication. Of us looking for these medication as a therapy possibility must wait till there’s approval from the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Moreover, research exploring optimum dosing, long-term results, and any potential unwanted effects are essential,” Qeadan says. “Neuroimaging analysis might additionally assist us perceive precisely how these drugs work together with reward pathways associated to substance use. Increasing analysis to different substance use issues, similar to stimulant or nicotine dependence, would additional make clear the broader applicability of those drugs.”
If you happen to’re coping with alcohol or substance use dysfunction, assist is on the market. Name the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Nationwide Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or go to samhsa.gov for extra info and assets.
