New analysis published in BMJ Open finds that newer GLP-1 receptor agonists, semaglutide and tirzepatide, used for obesity or type 2 diabetes among adults with alcohol-use disorder, are associated with fewer alcohol-related hospital admissions. The study of 40,703 participants across four real-world trial types—ADM, AOM, MAUD-T2D, and MAUD-obesity—showed a 26% lower risk vs other diabetes medicines and a 32% lower risk vs other obesity medicines, with MAUD trials showing reductions when compared to alcohol-use disorder drugs. Among those treated for obesity or diabetes with alcohol-use problems, reductions in hospitalisation were also substantial, with figures up to 63-65% in some comparisons. The researchers cautioned that while findings suggest a potential role for GLP-1s in treating alcohol use disorder, evidence remains limited and more research is needed. The English context last year reported over a million alcohol-related hospital admissions, underscoring the burden and potential significance of these findings. Overall, the papers argue GLP-1 agonists could become part of addiction treatment strategies pending further validation.