The Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Alcohol Use Disorder

Sadaf Khan, MBBS; Pavani Sayana, MBBS; Sarah Waseem, MBBS, MSc; Olu-Lawal Oluwanifesimi, MD; Garima Yadav, MD; Zeeshan Mansuri, MD, MPH; Shailesh Jain, MD

Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2025;27(3):24nr03855

Abstract

Importance: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a critical health condition that increases the risk of a variety of social and physical health impairments. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are potentially effective in reward system–related disorders. The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists has been shown to decrease overall consumption of alcohol in AUD in addition to managing obesity and weight loss. The main objective of this narrative review was to examine the potential benefits, dosages, and mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists on alcohol consumption and how they can potentially modify alcohol-seeking behavior.

Observations: The principal observation included the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on the mesolimbic pathways in the central nervous system, the central amygdala, and the GABAergic neurons in the central nervous system. Current research also focuses on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in improving glycemic control and reduction of obesity.

Conclusions and Relevance: Clinically, GLP-1 receptor agonists can be potentially used as an adjunct to the treatment of AUD in patients with a body mass index >30 kg/m²and in those with AUD who have coexisting diabetes mellitus. As decreasing glucose levels and alcohol-seeking behavior are 2 dual effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonists, the dosage can be adjusted accordingly to achieve the desired benefits while reducing the potential side effects of the drug class.

Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2025;27(3):24nr03855

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