Lead: Association between GLP-1 receptor agonists and alcohol-related hospitalisations among adults with alcohol use disorder: Multi-target trial emulation studyLead: Association between GLP-1 receptor agonists and alcohol-related hospitalisations among adults with alcohol use disorder: Multi-target trial emulation study
This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
News highlights from ASAM cover GLP-1 receptor agonists and alcohol-related hospitalisations, naloxone access, overdose technologies, drug use routes and transport support for opioid use disorder care. The episode focuses on recent research findings and practical barriers in addiction treatment and harm reduction.
6:47•28 Jul 2026
GLP-1 Medications, Naloxone Access and Overdose Risks: A Week in Addiction Medicine
Episode Overview
- Newer GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and tirzepatide were linked with a lower observed risk of alcohol-related hospitalisation in adults with alcohol use disorder and either type 2 diabetes or obesity.
- Same-day over-the-counter naloxone was available in 61% of pharmacies surveyed, yet most kept it behind the counter and the mean cost was $52.
- Both people who use opioids and addiction workforce members reported greater acceptability for a wearable overdose detection and naloxone delivery device than an implantable option.
- Using multiple routes of drug administration, such as combining injecting, smoking and nasal inhalation, was associated with higher non-fatal overdose risk than using a single route.
- Many people who use drugs do not carry naloxone due to low perceived personal risk, stigma, reluctance to take on responsibility and fear of negative police interactions.
“The authors found that among adults with AUD and T2D or obesity, initiation of newer GLP-1 RAs was associated with a lower observed risk of alcohol-related hospitalization.”
Curious about how others manage their sobriety alongside other health conditions? This newsy round-up from ASAM’s "This Week in Addiction Medicine" gives you a fast, clinically focused snapshot of what’s happening in research and practice. Hosted by Zach Caruso, the episode kicks off with a headline-grabbing BMJ Open study looking at newer GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and tirzepatide in adults with alcohol use disorder plus type 2 diabetes or obesity.
Using a retrospective cohort design with target trial emulation, the study found that “initiation of newer GLP-1 RAs was associated with a lower observed risk of alcohol-related hospitalisation.” It’s careful science, but the implication is clear: medication already used for metabolic issues might also have benefits around alcohol-related harms. Things then shift to overdose prevention on the high street.
A national “secret shopper” study reports that same-day over-the-counter naloxone was available in 61% of pharmacies, yet most kept it behind the counter and the average price was $52. It’s great that supply exists, but cost and access barriers are still stubborn. You’ll also hear about surveys comparing wearable versus implantable devices for overdose detection and naloxone delivery, with both people who use opioids and addiction workforce members favouring wearables.
Another cohort study from Baltimore highlights how using drugs through multiple routes – such as injecting, smoking and nasal inhalation together – is linked with higher overdose risk than sticking to a single route. The episode rounds out with research on why many people who use drugs still choose not to carry naloxone, and a cost analysis of transportation assistance for opioid use disorder treatment in Kentucky, pointing to particularly strong needs in rural areas.
If you care about evidence, policy and practical barriers in addiction care, this quick briefing might be just the right fit for your next walk or commute – which of these studies sparks your curiosity most?
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