How Ozempic and Wegovy are Decreasing Cravings for Alcohol, Nicotine, and Opiates

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Ozempic and Wegovy are two brand names of the same drug, semaglutide, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, which mimic the effects of a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. However, some users of these drugs have reported an unexpected benefit: they have noticed a reduced desire for addictive substances and behaviors, such as alcohol, opiates, nicotine, gambling, and shopping.

One user shared her experience on TikTok, saying: "I started taking Ozempic for weight loss and diabetes. And I noticed that I don't want to drink anymore. I don't want to smoke anymore. I don't want to gamble anymore. I don't want to shop anymore. It's like it took away all my addictions."¹

How do these drugs work to curb addiction? The answer may lie in the connection between the gut and the brain. GLP-1 receptors are found not only in the pancreas and the stomach, but also in the brain, where they are involved in the regulation of mood, reward, and motivation. Some researchers suggest that semaglutide may reduce addictive cravings by interfering with the brain's reward system, which is activated by dopamine, a neurotransmitter that mediates pleasure and reinforcement. By stimulating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, semaglutide may make addictive substances and behaviors less rewarding and satisfying, thus helping people resist their urges.

There is some evidence from animal studies to support this hypothesis. For example, a study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that semaglutide significantly decreased alcohol-seeking and consumption in rats². Another study from the Journal of Clinical Investigation showed that semaglutide reduced alcohol intake and binge-like drinking in mice³. A third study from Neuropsychopharmacology demonstrated that semaglutide reduced cocaine-seeking behavior in mice.

However, human studies on the effects of semaglutide on addiction are still limited and ongoing. Some clinical trials are currently testing the efficacy and safety of semaglutide for treating alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, and tobacco use disorder. The results of these trials will provide more insight into the potential of semaglutide as an anti-addiction drug.

"We know that drugs in this class are remarkably effective for several important health outcomes – many of which can influence longevity and quality of life," said Dr Christian Hendershot, director of the clinical and translational addiction research programme at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "In some ways there is a sense that some of this might be too good to be true. But I think any potential benefits should be investigated."

Semaglutide is not yet approved by the FDA for the treatment of addiction, and it may have some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and injection site reactions. Therefore, people who are interested in using semaglutide for addiction should consult their doctor before starting or changing their medication regimen. Semaglutide may also interact with other drugs that affect blood sugar levels or appetite, such as insulin, sulfonylureas, or antidepressants.

Semaglutide may offer a new hope for people who struggle with addiction, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety. Until then, people who use semaglutide for diabetes or obesity should be aware of its possible impact on their addictive tendencies and report any changes to their doctor.

"Ozempic and Wegovy improve satiety and reduce cravings," said Dr Louis Aronne, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. "Clinically, many patients do report a reduction in their interest in alcohol — and that’s a type of craving."

References

  1. Can Ozempic and Wegovy Really Help Curb Addiction Too? - Healthline
  2. Can Ozempic Treat Addictions Like Alcohol, Cigarettes ... - Healthline
  3. Semaglutide reduces alcohol intake in rodents | Frontiers Research Topic
  4. Semaglutide reduces binge-like ethanol drinkping in mice | Journal of Clinical Investigation
  5. Semaglutide reduces cocaine seeking in mice | Neuropsychopharmacology
  6. Scientists hope weight-loss drugs could treat addiction ... - The Guardian
  7. Understanding Ozempic, Wegovy, and Weight Loss Medications - Health Matters

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