Semaglutide may reduce alcohol cravings and some drinking outcomes in adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD), but current evidence remains preliminary. The medication is not FDA-approved for AUD, and the available clinical trials have studied adults rather than adolescents. For families concerned about teen alcohol use, these findings should not be interpreted as evidence that semaglutide is an established treatment for adolescent AUD.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist best known through medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
A 2025 randomized clinical trial found that low-dose weekly semaglutide reduced weekly alcohol craving and some drinking outcomes compared with placebo in adults with AUD. However, the study included only 48 adults and lasted nine weeks, so larger and longer trials are needed. Because the participants were adults, parents should not assume these findings establish semaglutide as a treatment for teenagers.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that acts on pathways involved in appetite, metabolism, and other physiological processes. It is used in FDA-approved medications for conditions including type 2 diabetes and obesity, depending on the specific product and indication.[4][5]
Researchers have become interested in semaglutide because GLP-1 receptors are also found in areas of the brain involved in reward, motivation, and reinforcement.[8]
That has raised a question in addiction research: Could a medication that changes reward-related signaling also reduce the urge to consume alcohol?
The possibility is supported by preclinical, observational, and early clinical research, but the evidence is not yet strong enough to consider semaglutide an established medication for AUD.[1][2]
Can Semaglutide Reduce Alcohol Cravings?
Possibly. Early clinical research suggests that semaglutide can reduce alcohol craving in some adults, but it does not work as a proven treatment for everyone with AUD.
One of the strongest early pieces of clinical evidence came from a 2025 phase 2 randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry. Researchers randomized 48 adults with AUD to receive weekly semaglutide or placebo for nine weeks.
The researchers found that semaglutide:
- Reduced weekly alcohol craving compared with placebo
- Reduced drinks consumed per drinking day
- Reduced alcohol consumed during a laboratory self-administration session
- Was associated with greater reductions in heavy drinking over time, although larger trials are needed to confirm this finding.
However, semaglutide did not significantly reduce the average number of drinking days or average drinks per calendar day. The researchers concluded that the findings support larger clinical trials rather than immediate adoption as a treatment for AUD.
This distinction matters. Reducing craving or heavy drinking is not the same as demonstrating that a medication can reliably produce abstinence or treat alcohol use disorder across the broader population.
What Does the Newer Research Show?
Research on semaglutide and alcohol use has progressed from observational studies to randomized clinical trials, but the evidence remains preliminary.
A 2024 Nature Communications study analyzed health records from 83,825 adults with obesity and found that semaglutide use was associated with a 50% to 56% lower risk of developing or recurring alcohol use disorder (AUD) compared with other anti-obesity medications. A separate analysis involving 598,803 adults with type 2 diabetes found a similar association. Because these were observational studies, they cannot prove that semaglutide caused the reduction. (Nature Communications)
A 2025 randomized clinical trial involving 48 adults with AUD found that weekly semaglutide reduced weekly alcohol craving, drinks per drinking day, and alcohol consumed during a laboratory self-administration session compared with placebo. However, it did not significantly reduce every measure of alcohol consumption, and the study was small and lasted only nine weeks. (JAMA Psychiatry)
A 2026 randomized trial of oral semaglutide in 50 adults with moderate to severe AUD produced mixed results. Semaglutide did not significantly reduce the study’s primary laboratory measure of alcohol craving or drinks per day. However, it was associated with reductions in heavy drinking days, drinks per drinking day, naturalistic craving, and alcohol-related consequences. (psychiatryonline)
Overall, these studies suggest that semaglutide may reduce some measures of alcohol craving and heavy drinking in adults, but results have not been consistent across every outcome. Larger and longer clinical trials are needed before semaglutide can be considered an established treatment for AUD.
How Might Semaglutide Affect Alcohol Cravings?
The exact mechanism is still being investigated.
GLP-1 receptors are involved in signaling pathways related to appetite, reward, motivation, and reinforcement. Because alcohol can activate reward-related brain systems, researchers have proposed that GLP-1 receptor activation could influence some of the processes that contribute to alcohol-seeking behavior.[8]
AUD has multiple biological, psychological, and social contributors, so reducing alcohol craving does not necessarily eliminate problematic drinking.
Semaglutide’s potential effects on alcohol craving therefore need to be understood as one area of ongoing research rather than a complete explanation or solution for AUD.
Is Semaglutide FDA-Approved for Alcohol Use Disorder?
No. Semaglutide is not currently FDA-approved to treat alcohol use disorder.
FDA-approved semaglutide products have different approved indications. Depending on the specific product, these include type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management, and reduction of certain cardiovascular risks. [4][5] Alcohol use disorder is not among the listed indications.
In the United States, NIAAA identifies three FDA-approved medications for AUD:
- Naltrexone
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
These medications have established roles in alcohol treatment and may be used alongside behavioral therapies and other recovery supports.[3]
Semaglutide should therefore not be presented as a replacement for established AUD treatment.
Is Semaglutide Better Than Naltrexone for Alcohol Cravings?
It is not known whether semaglutide is better than naltrexone for alcohol cravings.
There is not currently enough direct comparative evidence to establish that semaglutide works better than naltrexone for AUD.
Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication for alcohol use disorder and has established evidence for reducing alcohol consumption and/or heavy drinking. Semaglutide is still being investigated for this purpose, and there is insufficient direct comparative evidence to determine whether one is more effective than the other for AUD. A healthcare professional can help determine which option is appropriate. [3]
Can Semaglutide Replace Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
No. Semaglutide should not be considered a replacement for comprehensive treatment for alcohol use disorder.
AUD treatment may combine medication, behavioral therapy, recovery support, and medical care depending on the person’s needs.[3]
A person who has difficulty controlling alcohol use, continues drinking despite harmful consequences, or experiences cravings and withdrawal symptoms may benefit from a professional assessment.
Semaglutide should not be used as a substitute for medically appropriate alcohol withdrawal management.
Someone who has been drinking heavily for a prolonged period can develop potentially dangerous withdrawal after suddenly stopping alcohol. Symptoms can include sweating, anxiety, nausea, rapid heart rate, seizures, and delirium tremens. Some people require medical monitoring or medically supervised detoxification.[9]
A person at risk for severe alcohol withdrawal should speak with a healthcare professional before stopping alcohol abruptly.[9]
Emergency medical attention is necessary for symptoms such as seizures, severe confusion, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, or other serious or rapidly worsening symptoms.[9]
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Semaglutide?
Semaglutide has established adverse effects and safety considerations that remain relevant even when researchers are studying its potential effects on alcohol use.
Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. FDA prescribing information also includes warnings and precautions concerning severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions, acute kidney injury, pancreatitis, and gallbladder disease.[4][5]
Semaglutide also carries a boxed warning concerning thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodents. It is unknown whether semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans, and the medication is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. [4][5]
Anyone considering semaglutide should discuss their medical history, current medications, and treatment goals with a qualified healthcare professional.
When Should Parents Talk With a Clinician About Alcohol Use?
Parents who notice changes in a teen’s drinking, cravings, or behavior should discuss those concerns with a qualified healthcare professional rather than trying to manage the problem with semaglutide on their own.
A clinical discussion may be particularly useful when:
- Alcohol cravings are difficult to control
- Drinking is becoming more frequent or heavy
- Alcohol is causing problems at work, home, or in relationships
- A person is repeatedly trying to cut back without success
- Alcohol use occurs alongside a condition for which a healthcare professional is considering an FDA-approved semaglutide indication.
- There are concerns about withdrawal or other health complications
The decision to use semaglutide should be based on the person’s medical needs rather than using it specifically as an unproven treatment for alcohol cravings.
When Should Someone Seek Treatment for Alcohol Use?
For parents, recognizing when occasional drinking has become a larger concern can be difficult. Professional evaluation may be appropriate when a teen’s alcohol use becomes difficult to control or begins causing physical, psychological, social, school, or family problems.
Warning signs can include:
- Drinking more alcohol or for longer than intended
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back
- Strong cravings for alcohol
- Continuing to drink despite health or relationship problems
- Spending significant time obtaining, drinking, or recovering from alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol wears off
- Needing alcohol to feel normal or avoid withdrawal
A healthcare professional can evaluate whether the pattern meets criteria for AUD and discuss evidence-based treatment options.
Teen Treatment at Clearfork Academy
For parents seeking professional support for a teen struggling with alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns, Clearfork Academy provides age-specific behavioral health treatment for teens ages 13–17. Its programs include residential treatment, PHP, IOP, and virtual IOP, with the level of care determined by clinical needs, safety, substance-use history, and home environment.
Treatment can include individual, group, and family therapy, along with evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Clearfork Academy is also listed by the Joint Commission as an accredited behavioral health provider with adolescent substance-use treatment levels of care including residential, PHP, and IOP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can semaglutide reduce alcohol cravings?
Semaglutide may reduce alcohol cravings in some adults. A 2025 randomized clinical trial found significantly lower weekly alcohol craving with semaglutide compared with placebo, while a 2026 trial found reductions in naturalistic craving but not its primary laboratory craving measure. More research is needed.
Q. Is semaglutide approved for alcohol use disorder?
No. Semaglutide is not currently FDA-approved to treat alcohol use disorder. Established FDA-approved medications for AUD include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
Q. Can Ozempic or Wegovy help with alcohol cravings?
Some early research suggests that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, may reduce alcohol craving and some drinking outcomes. The effect is not guaranteed, and neither medication is FDA-approved specifically for AUD.
Q. Is semaglutide better than naltrexone for alcohol cravings?
It is not known. Naltrexone is an established FDA-approved medication for AUD, while semaglutide is still being studied for this purpose. There is not enough direct comparative evidence to determine which is more effective for an individual person.
Q. Can parents give a teen semaglutide to reduce alcohol cravings?
Semaglutide should not be given to a teen specifically to treat alcohol cravings unless a qualified healthcare professional determines that its use is medically appropriate. The current clinical trials of semaglutide for AUD have studied adults, and semaglutide is not FDA-approved to treat AUD.
Q. What medications are approved for alcohol use disorder?
The FDA-approved medications for AUD are naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. Medication may be combined with behavioral treatment and other recovery support depending on the person’s needs.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Semaglutide is not FDA-approved to treat alcohol use disorder, and research on its use for alcohol cravings is still developing. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional based on individual medical needs.
References
- Hendershot CS, Bremmer MP, Paladino MB, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2025;82(4):395-405.
- Schacht JP, Sakai JT, Raymond K, Shelton R. Oral Semaglutide for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2026. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.20260003.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Use Disorder treatment and medications.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Wegovy prescribing information.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Ozempic prescribing information.
- UNC School of Medicine. Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reducing Cravings for Alcohol, Heavy Drinking.
- Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. GLP-1 Drug Semaglutide Reduced Heavy Drinking and Craving in Adults With AUD.
- Recovery Research Institute. GLP-1 medications and alcohol/drug use.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Withdrawal
Mike Carter, LCDC
Alumni Relations Manager
Mike grew up on a dairy farm in Parker County, Texas. At the age of 59, he went back to college and graduated 41 years after his first graduation from Weatherford College. God placed on his heart at that time the passion to begin to help others as they walked from addictions, alcoholism, and abuse of substances. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and in the past few years he has worn many hats, from intake and assessment, group counseling, individual and family counseling, intensive outpatient and now he is working with clients, therapist, and families on discharge planning and aftercare. He also coordinates our Alumni Outreach Program.
