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GLP-1s for Cocaine & Stimulant Addiction

Early research suggests GLP-1 medications may reduce stimulant cravings. What we know so far.

December 2025 5 min read
Why This Matters
There are currently NO FDA-approved medications for cocaine or methamphetamine use disorders. These addictions are notoriously difficult to treat. If GLP-1s show efficacy, it would be a major breakthrough.

The Science

GLP-1 receptors are found throughout the brain's reward system—the same circuits hijacked by stimulant drugs. Animal studies show that GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce:

The mechanism appears to involve modulation of dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area—key reward centers.

Human Evidence

What We Have So Far
  • Observational data: Patients on GLP-1s for diabetes/obesity report reduced stimulant cravings
  • Case reports: Individual cases of reduced cocaine use while on semaglutide
  • Ongoing trials: Multiple Phase 2 trials testing semaglutide for stimulant use disorders
  • NIDA interest: National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding GLP-1 addiction research

Key Researchers

Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of NIDA, has called GLP-1 medications "one of the most exciting developments in addiction medicine" and has published on the theoretical basis for their anti-addiction effects.

Multiple academic medical centers are conducting trials, including studies at University of Pennsylvania, Yale, and UCLA.

Critical Caveats

What We Don't Have Yet

The research is genuinely promising but very early. Using GLP-1s for stimulant addiction today would be off-label based on theoretical promise rather than proven efficacy.

Timeline

Phase 2 trials are underway. Results expected 2025-2026. If positive, Phase 3 trials would follow. FDA approval for addiction indication, if it happens, is likely several years away.

The Bottom Line
Animal research strongly suggests GLP-1 medications reduce cocaine and stimulant reward and seeking behavior. Human evidence is limited to observational data and case reports—but it's consistent with the animal findings. Clinical trials are underway. This could be a major breakthrough for addictions that currently have no approved medications, but we need trial results before drawing conclusions. Watch this space.
Sources
  1. Preclinical studies on GLP-1 and stimulant reward.
  2. Volkow ND, commentary on GLP-1s and addiction.
  3. ClinicalTrials.gov registrations for ongoing studies.