Evidence is mounting that GLP-1 drugs may help people cut back on substance use disorders such as alcohol, drinking, and opioids, according to a new study published in The BMJ. The study, which looked at patient records from more than 600,000 people in a Department of Veterans Affairs database, found that the drugs could help reduce cigarette consumption, drinking and opioid use. The research also suggested that using a GLP one over another type of medication could prevent someone from developing a substance use disorder. The results were consistent across substance types, suggesting that these medications may be acting on the root causes of these addictions. However, some experts believe this finding is weaker than the data showing the drugs may be able to treat existing disorders.