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.

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

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.

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.

So far, only one in three studies has found that diabetes drugs called GLP-1 agonists might help with depression, so the proof isn't strong or clear yet.

Starting diabetes drugs like semaglutide or liraglutide might lower the chance of developing substance use problems, and this seems to be true for people of different ages, weights, races, and types of the drug.