GLP-1 Diabetes Drugs May Cut Addiction, Death Risk

Large study finds GLP-1 receptor agonists associated with reduced substance use disorders and improved outcomes for those with pre-existing conditions.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 10:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A large US study published in The BMJ found that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity may also help lower the risk of addiction to a range of substances including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and opioids. The study also showed GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with reduced risks of adverse outcomes such as overdoses, drug-related emergency department visits, and deaths in people with pre-existing substance use disorders.

Why it matters

The findings suggest GLP-1 receptor agonists could play a role in both preventing and treating various substance use disorders, which are a major public health concern. However, more research is needed to confirm these results and understand the mechanisms behind the potential benefits.

The details

Researchers used US Department of Veterans Affairs data to investigate if starting GLP-1 receptor agonists is associated with a reduced risk of various substance use disorders (SUDs) in people without a history of SUDs. They also examined if GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced adverse SUD-related clinical outcomes, such as drug-related emergency department visits, overdoses, and suicides, in those with pre-existing SUDs. The study involved 606,434 US veterans with type 2 diabetes who were monitored for up to 3 years, with GLP-1 receptor agonists compared to another diabetes drug class, SGLT-2 inhibitors.

  • The study was published on March 5, 2026.
  • The study monitored participants for up to 3 years.

The players

The BMJ

A peer-reviewed medical journal published by the British Medical Association.

US Department of Veterans Affairs

The federal agency that provides healthcare services to American military veterans.

Fares Qeadan

A researcher at Loyola University Chicago who wrote a linked editorial on the study.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While caution is still warranted and evidence based treatments remain the preferred treatments, these results suggest that when GLP-1 receptor agonists are clinically indicated for cardiometabolic reasons, potential benefits for substance related outcomes may be an added consideration in shared decision making.”

— Fares Qeadan, Researcher, Loyola University Chicago

What’s next

Further research is needed to confirm the findings and understand the mechanisms behind the potential benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists for substance use disorders.

The takeaway

This study suggests GLP-1 diabetes drugs could play a role in both preventing and treating substance use disorders, which are a major public health concern. However, more evidence is needed before these potential benefits can be fully incorporated into clinical practice.