Clinical study will examine whether GLP-1 treatments can help Veterans with alcohol use disorder
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a clinical trial to evaluate whether GLP-1 medications can help Veterans struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
VA Secretary Doug Collins announced the initiative, saying that investing in new treatment options is part of improving healthcare access and outcomes for Veterans.
“Putting Veterans first means investing in the next generation of care,” Collins said. “By exploring emerging treatment options like the use of a GLP-1 for AUD, we aim to expand the tools available to help Veterans take control of their health and recovery.”
Study will involve 600 Veterans across 18 medical centers
The clinical trial, called the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans trial, will study whether GLP-1 medications can reduce alcohol consumption and improve health outcomes.
The study will enroll 600 Veterans between the ages of 18 and 80 across 18 VA medical centers nationwide.
Participants receiving GLP-1 injections will be monitored by researchers to evaluate changes in alcohol use, overall health and quality of life.
GLP-1 medications being explored for addiction treatment
GLP-1 medications are widely used for conditions such as diabetes and weight management, but emerging research has suggested they may also influence behaviors linked to substance use.
According to the VA, previous research has found that GLP-1 medication use may be associated with reduced substance-related health issues and fewer emergency room visits.
The new trial will provide additional data on whether these medications could become a useful treatment option for Veterans with alcohol use disorder.
Veteran recruitment begins in July 2026
Recruitment for the study began on July 28, 2026. Veterans interested in participating can contact their local VA medical center or search for the trial on ClinicalTrials.gov.
