{"id":82048,"date":"2025-05-07T14:18:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T14:18:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/82048\/"},"modified":"2025-05-07T14:18:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T14:18:09","slug":"can-ozempic-help-people-recover-from-substance-addiction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/82048\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Ozempic Help People Recover From Substance Addiction?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019re probably all too familiar with Ozempic and other diabetes medications that are commonly used as weight-loss drugs. Diet culture<\/a> is in the spotlight again, and public figures like Elon Musk<\/a> and Oprah Winfrey<\/a> have shared that they\u2019ve taken the medication (or a similar one).<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the more interesting news: According to recent research<\/a>, Ozempic may not only address diabetes<\/a> symptoms or lead to short-term weight loss \u2014 it could also potentially help people recovering from addiction.<\/p>\n

Essentially, Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for semaglutide, which is in the GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) drug class. It can make rewarding substances less, well, rewarding, by altering the release of dopamine (the \u201cpleasure\u201d neurotransmitter). <\/p>\n

For example, \u201cBotched\u201d doctor Terry Dubrow said<\/a> Ozempic took away his appetite and the joy of eating (though, side note, we have to stop blaming a \u201clack of willpower\u201d <\/a>for eating wrongfully demonized foods<\/a>). And many others have reported a similar experience.<\/p>\n

Many are theorizing that semaglutide could have the same effect on addictive substances and behaviors: People may be less likely to turn to their substance(s) of choice, whether that\u2019s alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cocaine or something else. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we\u2019ve found is the medications can reduce [substance] cravings and \u2018turn down the noise,\u2019 allowing our patients to better engage in treatment and build their recovery toolbox, while dealing with underlying issues and comorbid conditions,\u201d said Dr. Mohammad Sarhan<\/a>, an addiction medicine physician at Caron Treatment Centers.<\/p>\n

Ahead, he and other doctors and addiction experts<\/a> share more of the possibilities and limitations of using semaglutide as treatment for substance use disorder.<\/p>\n

The evidence is a good start, but not enough.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But so far, few studies on the topic are available, and they\u2019re preliminary. Simply put, more research is needed to come to a solid conclusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile the results are encouraging, it\u2019s really important to understand that we don\u2019t have a definitive answer yet,\u201d said Dr. Earin Chaudry<\/a>, the chief medical officer at Voy, a weight loss program that provides medication and coaching.<\/p>\n

He also pointed out various specifics that are unknown at this point. Will women\u2019s bodies react differently from men\u2019s? What\u2019s the right dosage for this condition? Those are only a couple of the questions that need answers.<\/p>\n

Dr. Sadia Saeed<\/a>, a physician and senior house officer at Welzo, agreed the results are promising but that it\u2019s too early to say more than that. Welzo is a U.K.-based platform that connects you to health products, services and supplements.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo say that it\u2019s a smart choice is premature,\u201d she said. \u201cAdditional trials are needed to demonstrate efficacy, safety and dosing for alcohol use disorder. Currently, off-label use exists for addiction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other medications can help with substance addiction and have been used longer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Believe it or not, Ozempic is not the first medication used to reduce cravings and pleasure from substances. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere are already medications that are proven and approved for this, like naltrexone or acamprosate, which doctors usually recommend first,\u201d said Dr. Zaid Fadul<\/a>, the CEO at Bespoke Concierge MD and medical director at Better U, an alternative mental wellness organization dedicated to increasing access and awareness to innovative treatments. \u201cI have started incorporating it at a low dose for my patients as part of a comprehensive plan to limit and eventually eliminate alcohol use.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAddiction is a complex brain disease that requires a multi-disciplinary approach and long-term support to achieve long-term recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n

– Dr. Mohammad Sarhan,\u00a0addiction medicine physician at Caron Treatment Centers<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Naltrexone and acamprosate are FDA-approved medications that help people maintain sobriety from alcohol, opioids and other substances. <\/p>\n

Dr. Safina Adatia, <\/a>a dual board-certified physician in addiction and family medicine who specializes in treating substance use disorder in urban communities and rural Indigenous populations, gave a similar response. \u201cI generally consider it a second-line option behind more evidence-based therapists, such as naltrexone and acamprosate,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Ozempic shouldn\u2019t be used by itself for substance treatment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sarhan has seen GLP-1R antagonists reduce cravings in clients with substance use disorders, but they\u2019re only one ingredient, so to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe recommend strongly that these medications are not used as a standalone treatment as they are not approved for this use,\u201d he said. \u201cAddiction is a complex brain disease that requires a multi-disciplinary approach and long-term support to achieve long-term recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even naltrexone and acamprosate can\u2019t treat addiction all on their own.<\/p>\n

Other treatment options include individual counseling, family counseling, support groups, harm reduction<\/a> strategies and more.<\/p>\n

\"OzempicOzempic and Wegovy are semaglutide drugs that can quiet the “noise” of cravings.<\/p>\n

GLP-1 medications have drawbacks.<\/strong><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s exciting that a new type of treatment for addiction might be on the horizon, we can\u2019t forget that this possible \u201csolution\u201d is imperfect.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike all medications, there can be potential side effects, such as nausea, muscle loss or changes in mood,\u201d Chaudry said. \u201cThese need to be carefully thought about and discussed with a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of the other most common side effects<\/a> include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, stomach discomfort and vomiting.<\/p>\n

Patients who take Ozempic for addiction will also face some of the same barriers that others do, Sarhan said: the high cost (plus the fact that its current lack of FDA approval means most insurance companies won\u2019t cover it), a return of cravings when the medication is stopped, and so forth.<\/p>\n

With that said, experiencing and treating substance use can unfortunately be expensive, regardless. <\/p>\n

\u201cIf we are trying to reduce spending in health care, I would be interested to see a cost analysis of a GLP-1 prescription as a preventative measure against the cost of frequent visits to the emergency department (ED), which happens to many of my patients,\u201d Adatia said. \u201cWe can potentially lower the risk of ED visits for severe withdrawal or overdoses by proactively treating substance use disorders.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ozempic\u2019s potential to cause weight loss can be a problem.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A friendly reminder that weight loss doesn\u2019t always make you healthier:<\/a> \u201cI often treat [substance addiction] patients who are experiencing homelessness and suffer from food insecurity, so many of them are underweight, and a GLP-1 medication would not be appropriate,\u201d Adatia said.<\/p>\n

Addiction is particularly present in unhoused and marginalized communities, potentially and partially due to the discrimination they face. For example, about one-third of unhoused individuals struggle with alcohol and\/or drugs<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Additionally, we have to consider people who have a low weight due to other health conditions, such as anorexia nervosa<\/a>. About 27% of individuals with anorexia also abuse substances, and 32% of women who call cocaine abuse hotlines have a diagnosable eating disorder.<\/p>\n

Weight-loss drugs can also become addictions on their own and cause people to lose too much weight, as warned by Ozempic user and celebrity Sharon Osbourne<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It can\u2019t completely eradicate someone\u2019s substance use.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Looking at recent research, Sarhan added that semaglutide alone can\u2019t lead to full sobriety, which is a goal for many people in recovery.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Weight-loss drugs] did, however, decrease the number of drinks consumed per day,\u201d he said. \u201cThis underscores the importance of engaging in a treatment plan that doesn\u2019t just suppress use, but also supports the other physical, medical, spiritual and psychological needs of an individual struggling with alcohol.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alcohol and Ozempic do not mix well, either, as the combination can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar<\/a>. So even a little drinking on the medication could cause problems.<\/p>\n

The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re considering taking semaglutide for addiction, Fadul urges the following:<\/p>\n