Durham VA Medical Center Joins National Study on GLP-1 Drugs for Alcohol Addiction
The Durham VA Medical Center is participating in a national study to investigate if GLP-1 drugs can be used to treat alcohol addiction.
Raleigh Durham, NC, August 7, 2026 —
The Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center is now a participant in a significant national study examining the potential of GLP-1 drugs as a treatment for alcohol addiction.
This initiative aims to explore whether medications currently used for diabetes and weight management might offer a new therapeutic avenue for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder. GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs that includes popular medications like semaglutide and liraglutide, are known to affect appetite and metabolic processes.
Researchers are investigating the mechanisms by which these drugs could influence cravings and reduce alcohol consumption. The study is being conducted on a national scale, with the Durham VA Medical Center serving as one of the participating sites. Further details regarding the specific protocols, patient enrollment criteria, and expected timelines for the study were not immediately available.
The focus on GLP-1 drugs represents a novel approach in addiction treatment research, potentially offering a new pharmacological option for a widespread public health challenge.
Story summarized from the original created by Akilah Davis on abc11.com, see more information here.
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