Pennsylvania Trial to Test Ozempic for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction

A study planned for next year will test whether GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic can reduce alcohol and opioid use when added to existing care. It’s being led by Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services in partnership with the Center for Addiction Science, Policy and Research

The trial is going to include 1,200 participants and is expected to cost around $13 million. Researchers from MIT, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of California San Diego and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital are involved.

What the Allegheny County Study Will Measure

The medicines will be given in conjunction with the participants’ regular addiction treatment. County DHS director Alex Jutca said researchers want to learn whether the medicines help clients control cravings and reduce drug and alcohol consumption. And in the end, they’ll lead healthier lives.

The study is also expected to look at outcomes beyond substance use. Allegheny County maintains detailed records about people who use its services. This lets researchers assess employment, health, housing and involvement with the criminal justice system. Jutca described that broader analysis as a holistic view of possible benefits of the treatment plan.

Previous research into the benefits of these weight management medicines suggests they might also be effective in treating alcohol or drug disorders. This trial is intended to build on that work.

What This Means for Patients

Experts hope that the medicines might be effective in managing cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms. That might also reduce the risk of relapse over the long term.

Finding Medical Detox in Pennsylvania

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