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.
These are the same areas hijacked by addictive substances like alcohol, opioids, nicotine, and cocaine.
In other words: GLP-1 medications don’t just reduce physical hunger—they may help regulate psychological craving.
“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.
Studies suggest GLP-1s influence the mesolimbic dopamine system, particularly the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens—the core of our brain’s reward circuitry.
This isn’t just about appetite—it’s about neuroplasticity, behavioral reinforcement, and craving suppression.
As part of our mission to support lifelong recovery, we know that no single solution works for everyone.
Some of the most powerful progress in addiction medicine has come from thinking differently and following the data. GLP-1s may offer a future option for people experiencing persistent cravings, co-occurring health conditions, or limited response to traditional treatments.
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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