GLP‑1 drugs may curb alcohol cravings, Greek review finds

A systematic review carried out by an endocrinology team at Hospital Alexandra in Athens, led by Associate Professor Stauroula Paschou, examined the impact of GLP‑1 receptor agonists and the newer dual GIP/GLP‑1 agonists—medicines already used to treat obesity and type‑2 diabetes—on alcohol consumption. Data from pre‑clinical studies, observational research and early clinical trials suggest these agents can reduce both the desire for alcohol and overall intake in some patients.

The review, soon to be published in *Therapeutics Advances in Psychopharmacology*, notes that patients described as having “food noise” or “alcohol noise” – a constant mental focus on eating or drinking – appear to benefit most. Researchers stress that the evidence is still limited and does not yet support the routine use of these drugs for alcohol‑use disorder, while further studies will explore effects on other addictive behaviours such as smoking and drug use.