Could GLP-1 drugs help treat alcohol addiction? Durham VA joins study
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Durham VA Health Care System will soon begin recruiting veterans for a national clinical trial examining whether GLP-1 medications can help treat alcohol use disorder.
The Durham VA was selected as one of 18 VA medical centers across the country participating in the study. Researchers hope the trial could expand treatment options for veterans struggling with alcohol use disorder.
Recruitment is set to begin Aug. 17. Researchers expect each site to enroll about 35 eligible veterans, for a total of 622 participants nationwide.
The study comes as more than 400,000 veterans are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder each year, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The condition can make it difficult to stop or control drinking despite negative consequences.
Army and National Guard veteran Chuck Sutton said substance use remains a challenge for many former service members.
"Once you're in the military and you have to go through different environments and experience different things, drug and alcohol use is pervasive amongst veterans," Sutton said.
Although Sutton does not drink alcohol, he said he has seen the impact alcohol use disorder has had on fellow veterans.
"I think it would be a great asset," he said about the study.
Researchers at the Durham VA say the trial could have far-reaching implications if the medications prove effective.
"I think this would be a gamechanger to get more people toward effective treatments, including this one if it is effective," said Dan Blalock, a clinical research psychologist at the Durham VA.
The trial will evaluate whether GLP-1 medications, which are already approved to treat diabetes and obesity, can help reduce alcohol cravings and improve health outcomes for people with alcohol use disorder.
Dr. Dave Oslin, who is leading the national study from Philadelphia, said researchers are optimistic about the medications' potential.
"These medications seem to satiate that reward pathway and make it so that you don't have that strong desire anymore," Oslin said. "We're hopeful this medication will be another tool in our toolkit to treat alcohol use disorder."
Veterans who qualify for the study must be between the ages of 18 and 80 and have moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. Participants do not have to live in Durham, but they must be able to travel to the medical center for four in-person visits.
Those enrolled will receive weekly injections for six months while researchers monitor changes in drinking behavior, health and quality of life.
Oslin said a successful outcome could have implications beyond the veteran population.
"If this biologically works in veterans, it's going to work in the community," he said.
The Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville is also participating in the clinical trial.
Researchers say they will provide updates as the study progresses, though final results are not expected for about three years.
