VA launches clinical trial to test semaglutide for alcohol use disorder

Published Jul 31, 08:50 PM UTC

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a new clinical trial, the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans (CRAVE) trial, to investigate whether semaglutide—the active ingredient in weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy—can help treat alcohol use disorder. The trial will screen more than 600 veterans aged 18 to 80 with moderate or severe alcohol use disorder over 24 weeks. Participants will receive weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo, with researchers tracking changes in drinking, health, and quality of life. The study will be conducted at 18 VA medical centers nationwide and is expected to conclude in spring 2027. The VA cited a March study showing GLP-1 medications reduced the risk of developing substance use disorders. The VA urged veterans not to self-medicate with GLP-1s and noted that approved treatments are available. Alcohol use disorder affects over 29 million Americans, including more than 400,000 veterans.