GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with reduced risk of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine and opioid use disorders, as well as other substance use disorders, suggesting potential prevention effects across a broad range of substances, according to a study published March 4 in The BMJ.
Researchers from the VA St. Louis Health Care System and Washington University in St. Louis analyzed EHR data from 606,434 veterans over up to three years, comparing GLP-1 receptor agonists with SGLT-2 inhibitors. Seven trials were included for each incident SUD outcome, and one trial was included for adverse outcomes in individuals with preexisting substance use disorder.
Previous observational studies have linked GLP-1 receptor agonist use to lower risk of incident and recurrent alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use disorders.
Here are three things to know:
- Patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists had a lower risk of the composite outcome for all substance use disorders.
- Among patients with preexisting substance use disorder, GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with lower risk of emergency department visits, hospitalization admission and mortality.
- Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with lower risks of drug overdose and suicidal ideation or attempts.
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