The present invention provides for compositions and methods for treating or preventing addictive and compulsive diseases and disorders, particular alcohol-related diseases and disorders, disclosed herein. The GLP activators of the present invention are effective against various alcohol and drug dependency diseases. In accordance with the invention, the present compositions and methods can be used to intercede upstream or downstream in the signal transduction cascade involved in GLP action to treat various alcohol and drug dependency diseases. In one embodiment, the synthesis or release of endogenous GLP can be stimulated. In another embodiment, the endogenous synthesis or release of another molecule active in the cascade downstream from GLP, (e.g., a molecule produced in response to GLP binding to a receptor), can be stimulated. Accordingly, the methods and compositions of the invention are useful for preventing, treating, diagnosing, or monitoring the progression various alcohol and drug dependency diseases disclosed herein.
