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Substance Use Continuum of Care

Education Session F

F16 - Using GLP-1s in Substance Use Treatment

Tuesday, April 28, 2026
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM MDT
Location: 708
NASW CCB ACCME ANCC APA NBCC
This session will explore the emerging role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of substance use disorders, focusing on both the neurobiology of addiction and the clinical evidence to date. Attendees will learn how GLP-1s may modulate reward, craving, and compulsive behaviors across substances, and how these agents can be integrated into real-world addiction treatment settings. The talk will address practical prescribing considerations, patient selection, access and ethical issues, and how to think about GLP-1s within a comprehensive, recovery-oriented care model. Participants will leave with a clear, evidence-informed framework for evaluating when and how to use GLP-1s in practice.

Learning Objectives:

  • 1. Describe the neurobiological mechanisms by which GLP-1 receptor agonists influence reward, craving, and compulsive substance use behaviors.
  • 2. Evaluate the current clinical evidence supporting the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of substance use disorders.
  • 3. Identify appropriate patient populations and clinical scenarios in which GLP-1–based treatments may be beneficial in addiction care.
  • 4. Integrate GLP-1 receptor agonists into comprehensive, multidisciplinary substance use treatment plans using evidence-informed clinical frameworks.
  • 5. Apply practical prescribing principles, including safety considerations, monitoring, and access barriers, when utilizing GLP-1 receptor agonists in clinical practice.
Disclosure(s):
Steven Klein, MD, PhD, FAAP, FACMG, FASAM: No financial relationships to disclose