Previous studies have shown that obesity medications based on semaglutide, such as Ozempic and its analogues, may also be effective in treating addictions to psychoactive substances, including alcoholism and cannabis dependence. Recent experiments in rats have demonstrated that semaglutide can significantly reduce cravings for cocaine and help prevent relapse. Physicians hope to confirm these findings in humans, which could lead to the development of an effective treatment for cocaine addiction—a condition for which no approved medication currently exists.

The Problem of Cocaine Addiction

According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), around 2.7 million young people aged 15 to 34 in EU countries regularly use cocaine. Among psychoactive substances, cocaine is second only to cannabis in prevalence.

Cocaine addiction is characterized by disrupted motivation regulation, intense drug cravings, and frequent relapses during attempts to quit. At present, there are no effective pharmaceutical treatments for this condition, and psychosocial therapy often yields insufficient results. A new study published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology brings us closer to the development of a medication for cocaine addiction.

Semaglutide: Mechanism of Action and New Research

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) agonist, traditionally used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Previous research has found that this drug also affects dependence on alcohol, cannabis, and other psychoactive substances.

In a new series of experiments, researchers from Sweden and the USA evaluated semaglutide’s ability to reduce cocaine consumption and motivation for its use in laboratory rats, as well as its potential to prevent the reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior after cessation of treatment.

Study Design and Results

During the study, rats trained to self-administer cocaine could inject the drug themselves via an implanted catheter. After addiction was established, the animals received subcutaneous injections of either semaglutide or placebo, while their behavior was closely monitored.

Rats treated with semaglutide showed a 26% reduction in self-administered cocaine compared to the control group. After a period of abstinence, these animals also exhibited decreased drug-seeking behavior and less motivation to obtain cocaine—reductions of 62% and 52%, respectively.

Significance of the Results and Future Prospects

Medical experts note that these findings are consistent with previous studies in which semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption and cravings in both humans and animals. The rat experiments highlight semaglutide’s potential as a treatment for cocaine addiction. However, larger studies and confirmation of these results in humans are needed to establish its effectiveness.

Initial Clinical Observations

Some evidence of effectiveness has already emerged in clinical practice. Italian doctors recently described a case involving a patient suffering from both obesity and cocaine addiction. Subcutaneous administration of semaglutide helped the patient not only lose weight but also reduce drug cravings.