Caron, Quel Health Push GLP-1s for Addiction as Evidence Builds
In a Becker's Hospital Review interview, Caron Treatment Centers' Steven Klein, MD, discusses emerging evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists may reduce substance use disorder risk, including a March study linking GLP-1 use to 75% lower odds of any substance use disorder and 74% lower odds of alcohol use disorder. Klein notes the VA launched a trial in July enrolling over 600 veterans to test semaglutide for alcohol use disorder, and Caron has treated more than 600 patients with GLP-1s for substance use disorder, now partnering with telehealth platform Quel Health. He cautions that all such use remains off-label, with no insurance coverage for addiction indications, and that key questions remain about treatment duration, discontinuation effects, and how GLP-1s interact with therapy and peer support.