(Photo: Haberdoedas)
The VA has launched a nationwide clinical trial to determine whether a GLP-1 drug can help Veterans reduce harmful alcohol use.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Researchers are studying whether the drug may also affect areas of the brain connected to cravings, reward, and addictive behavior.
The Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans trial, known as CRAVE, plans to enroll more than 600 Veterans at 18 VA medical centers. Participants must be between 18 and 80 years old and diagnosed with moderate or severe alcohol use disorder. According to the VA, more than 400,000 Veterans receiving its care have been diagnosed with the condition.
Veterans accepted into the study will receive weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo for 24 weeks. Neither the participants nor the clinical staff working directly with them will know which treatment they receive.
Researchers will examine alcohol consumption, cravings, general health, quality of life, and possible side effects. California locations include VA medical centers in Palo Alto and Long Beach, along with the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System. Recruitment began on July 28.
The trial follows smaller studies suggesting semaglutide may influence drinking behavior. A 2025 randomized study involving 48 adults found that low-dose semaglutide reduced alcohol cravings, drinks consumed on drinking days, and some measures of heavy drinking. It did not significantly reduce the total number of drinking days or the average number of drinks consumed each day.
A separate 2026 study followed 108 adults who had both alcohol use disorder and obesity. Participants receiving semaglutide and cognitive behavioral therapy experienced a greater reduction in heavy drinking than those receiving a placebo and therapy. Researchers said additional studies are needed to determine whether the findings apply to people without obesity.
Alcohol use disorder can already be treated with medication, counseling, behavioral therapy, peer support, and other recovery services. Those approaches do not work equally well for every patient, which is why researchers are continuing to examine possible alternatives.
The larger trial may help determine whether the medication can produce meaningful changes across a broader Veteran population. It may also show which participants benefit most, how well the treatment is tolerated over several months, and whether reduced cravings lead to lasting changes in drinking patterns after treatment has ended.
Semaglutide is not approved by the FDA as a treatment for alcohol use disorder. VA advises Veterans not to obtain the medication on their own or use it in place of an established treatment.
Veterans interested in participating can contact one of the participating VA medical centers. Enrollment will depend on the full eligibility requirements and an evaluation by the local research team.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.