Can Semaglutide Reduce Heavy Drinking? What the 2026 Trial Actually Found

Published July 29, 2026 | HathawayMD.com Editorial Team

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.

A Surprising New Use for a Diabetes Drug

For nearly two decades, doctors have had limited options when it comes to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). The last medication the FDA approved specifically for AUD was acamprosate in 2006. Today, only three medications are available: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. And not everyone responds to them.

Now, researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine have published a new finding that could change the treatment landscape. A randomized, controlled trial shows that oral semaglutide — a medication well-known for treating type 2 diabetes — may reduce heavy drinking and alcohol cravings in people with moderate-to-severe AUD.

The trial results, published July 29, 2026 in the American Journal of Psychiatry, represent a proof-of-concept study in a condition that affects roughly 27 million American adults.

How the Trial Worked

Researchers led by Joseph Schacht, PhD, at CU Anschutz enrolled 50 adults with moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder who were seeking treatment. Half received oral semaglutide (Rybelsus), one of the tablet forms of the drug. The other half received placebo.

The study lasted 8 weeks. Participants started with a 3-milligram daily dose during weeks one through four, then increased to 7 milligrams daily for weeks five through eight. The research team monitored drinking behavior, alcohol cravings, and side effects.

This oral formulation is an important distinction. Semaglutide is available in several forms: Ozempic (injection, for diabetes), Wegovy (injection and oral tablet, for weight management), and Rybelsus (oral tablet, for diabetes). This trial used the Rybelsus oral tablet. An oral formulation may feel less intrusive for some patients with AUD, potentially improving treatment acceptance.

What the Study Found

Participants who took oral semaglutide showed multiple improvements compared to those on placebo:

• Fewer heavy drinking days
• Lower alcohol consumption on each drinking occasion
• Reduced day-to-day cravings for alcohol
• Fewer alcohol-related problems overall
• Improved overall drinking risk level

The CU Anschutz press release included an important qualifier: “While not all measures changed in controlled laboratory settings, the overall pattern showed consistent reductions in harmful real-world drinking behavior.”

According to news coverage from Newsweek and Forbes, the semaglutide group also reported reduced cannabis use days (an unexpected finding) and did not show weight loss — a detail not mentioned in the official press release but potentially relevant to understanding the drug's mechanism. If confirmed, the absence of weight loss would suggest the alcohol-related benefits may work through a different pathway than weight reduction.

Why This Matters for Patients

Dr. Schacht emphasized the real-world significance: “This study suggests oral semaglutide may help reduce heavy and harmful drinking, even in people who are not trying to quit alcohol entirely. It could represent a new treatment option for AUD, particularly for those who have not benefited from existing medications.”

For patients and families, even modest reductions in heavy drinking can mean significant life improvements. Fewer heavy drinking days can lead to greater stability, fewer crises, and improved quality of life. Not everyone with AUD wants to or can achieve total abstinence — a treatment that reduces harmful drinking addresses an important medical need.

How This Fits With Existing GLP-1 Research

Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed to help the pancreas control blood sugar. In recent years, researchers have discovered these medications may also affect how the brain responds to reward and craving — which is directly relevant to addiction.

This isn't the first time GLP-1 drugs have been studied for AUD. A separate, larger trial using injectable semaglutide (the SEMALCO study, NCT05895643, published in The Lancet in May 2026) also found positive results. However, that study required participants to have a BMI of 30 or higher and observed weight loss. The CU Anschutz oral trial required a BMI of at least 25 and tested a different formulation, dose, population, and study duration.

Important Limitations to Know

This trial was small and short. Fifty participants over 8 weeks is a solid proof-of-concept, but it's not enough to change clinical practice by itself. Larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Semaglutide is NOT currently FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder. The only approved use of Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) is for type 2 diabetes. If you're exploring GLP-1 medications and their side effects, discuss all potential uses and risks with your physician.

Side effects in the trial were generally mild and well-tolerated, with high completion rates. But longer studies may reveal effects that only appear with extended use. For those considering insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications, your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits and risks.

If you or a loved one is considering treatment for alcohol use disorder, talk to your doctor or an addiction specialist about all available options. This research is promising, but it's still early-stage.

Sources and References

• NCT05892432
• Schacht JP, et al. (2026)
• CU Anschutz News: Can Oral Semaglutide Reduce Alcohol Use?
• Forbes: The Drug Behind Ozempic And Wegovy Pills May Also Treat Alcohol Use Disorder (July 29, 2026)
• Newsweek: An Ozempic Pill Was Tested on Heavy Drinkers (July 29, 2026)

This content is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medications with potential side effects and contraindications.