VA launches trial of GLP-1 treatment for alcohol use disorder

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs today announced a new clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat diabetes, as treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Currently, more than 400,000 Veterans nationwide are diagnosed with AUD, and some estimates say AUD affects nearly 11% of U.S. adults.

Semaglutide has drawn scientific interest because it may affect parts of the brain related to how the body experiences rewards. An analysis published in March found that patients receiving GLP-1 medications experience lower rates of AUD and other substance use disorders compared with similar patients taking other diabetes medications.

The use of GLP-1 medications by people with existing substance use disorders has been associated with fewer emergency visits, hospitalizations and other adverse outcomes. These findings highlight the need for a controlled clinical trial to determine whether a GLP-1, such as semaglutide, can reduce AUD among Veterans.

"This clinical trial reflects medical research that VA is uniquely situated to launch, and is aimed directly at benefitting Veterans," said 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."

The study, known as the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans trial, will enroll more than 600 Veterans at 18 VA medical centers nationwide. Participants between the ages of 18 and 80 with moderate or severe AUD will receive weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo over a 24-week period, followed by a safety follow-up. Researchers will track changes in drinking, health, and quality of life to determine whether the medication offers a meaningful new treatment option.

The study will be conducted at the following 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

Recruitment begins on July 28, 2026. For more information about participation, Veterans can contact their local VA medical center or visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search for the trial.

VA strongly discourages self-medicating or attempting to replace other AUD treatment options with GLP-1 medications or any other unprescribed substances. Evidence-based, proven treatments are available at VA facilities to support Veterans with AUD. Veterans should always consult their health care providers before making any treatment decisions.