Can GLP-1 Medications Help Treat Addiction?
Sobriety House is always paying attention to where the field of addiction treatment is headed. Especially when something as unexpected (and headline-grabbing) as Ozempic or Wegovy starts showing potential to reduce drug and alcohol cravings.
Originally developed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are now being explored for something entirely different: helping people recover from addiction.
What Are GLP-1s, and Why Do They Matter in Recovery?
GLP-1s mimic a hormone (glucagon-like peptide-1) that helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. But what’s capturing the attention of addiction researchers is that GLP-1 also acts on the brain, specifically in areas tied to dopamine release, reward processing, and impulse control.
But here’s the interesting part: GLP-1 also acts on areas of the brain involved in dopamine release, reward, and impulse control—the very areas hijacked by addictive substances like alcohol, nicotine, opioids, and cocaine.
In other words: GLP-1 medications don’t just reduce physical hunger—they may also help regulate psychological cravings.
“GLP-1 receptor stimulation suppresses drug-induced reward and may represent a novel approach to treating addictive disorders.”
What the Research Says About GLP-1 and Addiction
Recent research—both clinical and observational—is compelling:
Animal studies show GLP-1 receptor activation reduces alcohol consumption, drug-seeking behaviors, and the rewarding effects of cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and nicotine.
A 20-year population study in Sweden found GLP-1 users had fewer alcohol-related hospitalizations, sometimes outperforming existing treatments like naltrexone.
At Penn State, researchers found that GLP-1 medication (liraglutide) reduced opioid cravings by 40% in early human trials.
Scientists believe GLP-1s influence the brain’s mesolimbic dopamine system—key to motivation and reward.
Potential Benefits in Addiction Recovery
While more research is needed, GLP-1s could one day offer:
Reduced cravings for substances like alcohol, nicotine, and opioids
Lower reward sensitivity to addictive triggers
Possible support for weight stabilization and appetite regulation in recovery
The Risks and Considerations
Right now, GLP-1 use for addiction is considered experimental. There’s promise—but there are also important cautions:
For the general SUD population:
Limited Evidence – Most studies are in animals or small human trials.
Cost & Access – GLP-1s are expensive and rarely covered for off-label addiction use.
Side Effects – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, dizziness, dehydration.
Serious Risks – Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, hypoglycemia, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts.
Superficial Craving Suppression – Medication may reduce cravings without addressing deeper psychological needs.
For clients with co-occurring eating disorders:
Appetite suppression may worsen restrictive eating patterns.
Can trigger body image issues or unhealthy weight control behaviors.
May worsen malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and psychiatric symptoms.
Risk of misuse for weight loss rather than recovery support.
Sobriety House's Perspective
We believe in innovative, evidence-based approaches—but also in safety, ethics, and the whole-person model of care.
If GLP-1 medications are ever integrated into addiction treatment, it should be:
Only after thorough screening for eating disorders and medical stability
Within a multidisciplinary team (medical, psychiatric, nutritional)
Alongside therapy, peer support, and holistic recovery services
At Sobriety House, recovery isn’t just about stopping use—it’s about healing the whole person. GLP-1 medications might someday be another tool in the toolbox. But like all tools, they work best in skilled, compassionate hands, and never as a replacement for the deep, ongoing work of recovery.
Why We’re Sharing This Now
Because recovery evolves—just like people do.
We want you—our community—to be part of the conversation.
Our mission at Sobriety House is to support lifelong recovery, and that means staying informed, asking good questions, and keeping our minds open to new ideas.
Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just interested in how the brain heals—we invite you to stay curious with us.
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DescripKlausen, M. K., et al. (2021). The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 in addictive disorders. British Journal of Pharmacology, 178(18), 3797–3814.
TCIV Whitepaper: GLP-1s and Addiction Treatment – New Opportunities for Treatment Programstion text goes here