Lead: Oral semaglutide for alcohol use disorder: A randomized clinical trialLead: Oral semaglutide for alcohol use disorder: A randomized clinical trial
This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
This news briefing reviews recent addiction medicine studies, including semaglutide for alcohol use disorder, craving measurement with heart rate variability, THC-related lung function, self-management interventions, and long-term effects of adolescent drinking. It offers research-focused updates aimed at those interested in treatment, risks, and emerging trends in substance use.
7:14•25 Aug 2026
Semaglutide, Craving Tech, and New Trends in Addiction: A Weekly Research Round-Up
Episode Overview
- Semaglutide did not reduce lab-assessed craving or drinks per day but did cut heavy drinking days, drinks per drinking day, naturalistic craving, cannabis use days, and alcohol-related consequences.
- Heart rate variability measured via continuous ECG showed a complex association with craving, supporting the feasibility of using wearables as real-time craving monitors.
- THC use disorder appeared linked to an increased prevalence of small airway dysfunction, though low THC disorder prevalence limits firm conclusions.
- A nurse-led self-management programme reduced substance addiction consequences and improved positive mental health more than treatment as usual, despite high dropout rates.
- Adolescent binge drinking was associated with habitual behaviour and attentional bias in adulthood, suggesting possible long-term impacts on behavioural flexibility.
“These findings confirm previous results among non-treatment seekers with less severe AUD and suggest that continued development of semaglutide for AUD is warranted.”
What insights can experts and survivors share about addiction? This weekly briefing from the American Society of Addiction Medicine is aimed at clinicians, researchers, and anyone keen to stay on top of cutting-edge addiction science. Hosted by Zach Caruso, the episode runs through several recent studies, with a clear focus on evidence rather than opinion. The headline story looks at "oral semaglutide for alcohol use disorder" in a phase 2 randomised clinical trial.
You’ll hear how semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, didn’t shift lab-measured craving or drinks per day versus placebo, yet "significantly reduced heavy drinking days" and "alcohol-related consequences" among treatment-seeking adults with AUD.
As Zach notes, "These findings confirm previous results among non-treatment seekers with less severe AUD and suggest that continued development of semaglutide for AUD is warranted." From there, the focus moves to technology and physiology with a study using heart rate variability from continuous ECG – potentially via smartwatches and fitness trackers – to capture a biosignature of craving during early recovery.
The episode then touches on respiratory harms linked to THC use disorders, highlighting possible small airway dysfunction in a Swiss population sample. You’ll also hear about a nurse-led self-management programme for substance addiction consequences, trends in nicotine exposure among adolescents who vape, shifting patterns in alcohol and cannabis use disorders in US adults, and a qualitative look at why overdose survivors may avoid healthcare services after a non-fatal event.
The final paper links adolescent binge drinking with habitual behaviour and attentional bias in adulthood. If you’re looking for clear, concise research updates to inform practice or understand emerging risks and treatments, this round-up offers plenty to think about. Which of these findings might change how you view treatment options and long-term recovery risks?
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