The Potential of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Addictive Disorders

Abstract

Addictive disorders are often difficult to treat and show high relapse rates. Particularly, alcohol use disorder presents a major treatment challenge leading to severe physical and mental health impacts. So far, pharmacological treatment options are limited. Agonists of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1RAs) are anti-hyperglycemic and weight-reducing drugs that have anti-inflammatory properties and can modulate brain reward pathways. Mounting evidence suggests that GLP-1RAs may have the potential to treat addictive disorders. The aim of this review is to give an insight into the neurobiological mechanisms by which GLP-1RAs influence addiction and to evaluate their effectiveness across different substances and behavioral addictions.