Some diabetes drugs like Exenatide and Dulaglutide might help people cut down on drinking alcohol or smoking, based on several medical studies.

A few small studies have tested diabetes drugs like Exenatide and Dulaglutide in people with addiction, and while there’s not much data yet, it’s an area scientists are starting to explore.

Diabetes drugs called GLP-1 agonists might help people overcome addictions by reducing how pleasurable substances like alcohol, nicotine, and opioids feel in the brain.

People with obesity who take certain diabetes drugs like exenatide or dulaglutide might end up drinking less alcohol — one study says exenatide cuts alcohol use by over a kilogram in a month, and dulaglutide by about 1.4 drinks a day.

A type of diabetes drug might help reduce cravings and relapse in addiction by affecting brain signals tied to pleasure and reward — at least in animals.

Mice given GLP-1 drugs tend to avoid nicotine, suggesting these drugs might reduce the appeal of nicotine.