At this year’s annual American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry Area II Meeting, Maria A. Sullivan, MD, PhD, shared an insightful presentation brimming with helpful studies and citations regarding the use of GLP1 agents for substance use disorders.
GLP-1 agents, also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (RAs), are a class of medications primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes and, increasingly, for weight loss. Some of the more well-known brands of GLP-1 agents are Ozempic®, Mounjaro® and Wegovy®
Clinical trials have begun to explore, with preliminary results indicating that GLP-1 RAs may reduce alcohol cravings and intake in humans. The dual efficacy of GLP-1 RAs could lead to integrated treatment strategies that address both metabolic and addictive disorders, improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Maria Sullivan is a Board-certified Psychiatrist (subspecialty certification: Addiction Psychiatry) and experienced clinical researcher with demonstrated history of working in both the pharmaceutical industry and academia (Department of Psychiatry). She is a former independent investigator in NIDA-funded trials focused on novel pharmacotherapies for addiction. She has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on the treatment of substance use disorders.
