GLP-1 medications
Tirzepatide and Semaglutide are being used as emerging options for cravings, alcohol use, and other substance use concerns when clinically appropriate.
Weight loss medications for addiction?
By now, you may have heard conversations and seen news articles and advertisements about injectable medications commonly used to treat diabetes and support weight loss. Recent studies suggest that medications associated with weight loss may also help curb cravings for alcohol and other substances.
A case series published on November 27, 2023, in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry provides evidence that these medications may also be useful in treating alcohol use disorder. This investigation examines the medication’s effectiveness beyond its established roles in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Through a series of clinical cases, the study explores how semaglutide might help combat alcohol cravings and address alcohol use disorder. These positive outcomes suggest that it may become another effective tool for people facing alcohol-related challenges.
Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 medications reduce the release of dopamine, making previously rewarding behaviors, such as drinking alcohol or eating foods high in fat or sugar, less enjoyable. Growing evidence suggests that semaglutide may also be useful in treating alcohol use disorder.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Like semaglutide, it has shown promising effects in treating conditions such as alcohol use disorder, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
