2026 Eastern States Conference

Title
Alcohol use disorder identification test consumption score changes in patients on glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon-like peptide-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide agonists

Authors
Sarah Alleva, PharmD; Jocelyn Mumbulo, PharmD, BCCP; Sara Skoritowski, PharmD

Learning objective
At the conclusion of my presentation, the participant will be able to describe the potential effect of GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP agonist therapy on alcohol consumption as measured by changes in AUDIT-C scores.

Background
Preclinical studies and observational data show that GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP dual agonists may help in the reduction of alcohol consumption.

Assessment Question:
Based on the findings of this study, which patient population may derive the greatest dual benefit from GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP agonist therapy?
-Patients with alcohol use disorder alone
-Patients with diabetes or obesity and concurrent alcohol use
-Patients with depression without metabolic disease
-Patients without alcohol use

Methods
This single‑center, retrospective chart‑review quality‑improvement project used data from the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) at the Wilkes‑Barre Veterans Affairs Medical Center to identify patients with diabetes or obesity, a positive Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption (AUDIT‑C) score, and who were prescribed an injectable glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) or a dual GLP‑1/GIP agonist between October 2022 and December 2024. Patients were excluded if they had a negative baseline AUDIT‑C score, received therapy for less than one month, or were under 18 years old. The primary outcome was the change in alcohol use from baseline to follow‑up, measured by the AUDIT‑C score. Secondary outcomes included evaluating whether age influenced alcohol‑use reduction and comparing BMI changes between diabetes‑focused and weight‑loss–focused patients.

Results
A total of 111 charts were reviewed, and 46 patients met inclusion criteria. 65 patients were excluded due to one of the following: negative or missing baseline AUDIT‑C scores, therapy started outside the Wilkes‑Barre VA, outside the study timeframe, or therapy under one month. The primary outcome was a change in AUDIT-C score, which decreased by 43% at initial follow‑up and 57% at second follow-up. Secondary outcomes demonstrated a decrease in AUDIT‑C scores for both age groups, with reductions of 43% and 57% at the first and second follow‑up, among those aged 18–64, and 40% and 60% among those aged 65–99. BMI decreased by 8% in weight‑loss patients and 4% in diabetes patients.

Conclusion
Based on the results of this QA‑QI project, there was a decrease in AUDIT-C scores in patients receiving GLP‑1 or GLP‑1/GIP therapy, suggesting a possible association between these agents and decreased alcohol consumption.