The Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Alcohol Use Disorder

May 20, 2025The primary care companion for CNS disorders

How Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Activators May Affect Alcohol Use Disorder

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Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists may decrease overall alcohol consumption in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with a reduction in alcohol consumption and may influence alcohol-seeking behavior.
These compounds affect specific brain pathways, including the central amygdala and GABAergic neurons.
GLP-1 receptor agonists may also assist in managing obesity and improving glycemic control.
Their use could be beneficial as an adjunct treatment for AUD in individuals with a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m² and coexisting diabetes mellitus.
Dosage adjustments may be necessary to balance the effects on glucose levels and alcohol-seeking behavior, while minimizing potential side effects.

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Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a critical health condition that increases the risk of a variety of social and physical health impairments. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are potentially effective in reward system-related disorders. The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists has been shown to decrease overall consumption of alcohol in AUD in addition to managing obesity and weight loss. The main objective of this narrative review was to examine the potential benefits, dosages, and mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists on alcohol consumption and how they can potentially modify alcohol-seeking behavior.The principal observation included the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on the mesolimbic pathways in the central nervous system, the central amygdala, and the GABAergic neurons in the central nervous system. Current research also focuses on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in improving glycemic control and reduction of obesity.Clinically, GLP-1 receptor agonists can be potentially used as an adjunct to the treatment of AUD in patients with a body mass index >30 kg/mand in those with AUD who have coexisting diabetes mellitus. As decreasing glucose levels and alcohol-seeking behavior are 2 dual effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonists, the dosage can be adjusted accordingly to achieve the desired benefits while reducing the potential side effects of the drug class.. Importance: Observations: Conclusions and Relevance: 2Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2025;27(3):24nr03855Author affiliations are listed at the end of this article.

The Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Alcohol Use Disorder

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