The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has been selected as one of 18 VA sites participating in a new clinical trial studying whether semaglutide may help Veterans with alcohol use disorder.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medication commonly used to treat diabetes and manage weight. Researchers are interested in whether it may also affect the brain’s reward system and reduce the urge to drink. Earlier studies and health-record analyses have found that people taking GLP-1 medications experienced lower rates of alcohol and substance use disorders than similar patients taking other diabetes medications. Those findings are promising, but they do not prove the medication is an effective treatment for alcohol use disorder.
The new study is called the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans trial, conveniently shortened to CRAVE. More than 600 Veterans are expected to participate nationwide. Eligible participants will be between ages 18 and 80 and have moderate or severe alcohol use disorder. Participants will receive weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo for 24 weeks, followed by a safety followup. Researchers will measure changes in alcohol use, overall health, and quality of life.
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition involving difficulty stopping or controlling alcohol use despite harmful consequences. VA reports that more than 400,000 Veterans nationwide have been diagnosed with the condition. Like other health conditions, it deserves treatment—not judgment.
This trial should not be interpreted as approval to use semaglutide for alcohol use disorder or to borrow someone else’s medication. VA strongly discourages self-medicating or replacing proven treatment with GLP-1 medications or other unprescribed substances. Veterans should discuss alcohol use honestly with their health care provider. Evidence-based treatment is already available through VA, and recovery is possible.
Having a participating site in Minneapolis gives Veterans in our region a closer opportunity to contribute to research that may benefit others. Recruitment began July 30. Veterans interested in the study may contact the Minneapolis VA at 612-467-1580 or visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search for “CRAVE.”
Community Reminder: The Minnesota Veterans Home – Silver Bay will host a Car Show on Wednesday, August 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 56 Outer Drive. The event includes classic cars, free lunch, an open house, career fair, Veteran resources, and virtual dementia tours. Lake County Veterans Services will be there—bring family and friends.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or Vets@LakeCountyMN.gov
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@cookcountymn.gov
