Could Popular Weight Loss Drugs Containing Semaglutide Help with Addiction?

Sometimes medications will have side effects. These side effects could be difficult to manage, but what if the side effects were positive? This just may be the case for users taking Ozempic and other weight loss drugs with semaglutide as a main ingredient. Known as a popular weight loss drug, Ozempic is now being studied for one of its rather surprising side effects: treating addiction. Many users of Ozempic and similar drugs that contain the main ingredient semaglutide have reported less cravings for alcohol as a side effect of using the medications. Many major news outlets such as CBS News are now investigating whether there is evidence to support that semaglutide can assist with decreased cravings for alcohol 

Megan Johnston’s Story 

Megan Johnston is a real estate agent from Virginia who started taking weight loss drugs last year that contained semaglutide. The COVID pandemic was difficult for many of us, including Johnston. During that time, she gained 30 pounds and was drinking alcohol frequently. Now, a year later, she is rarely drinking and is living a much healthier lifestyle. Johnston is one of the many users of semaglutide that now reports fewer cravings for alcohol.  

Clinical Trials to Study Semaglutide 

Kyle Simmons, who is the director of Oklahoma State University's Biomedical Imaging Center, and a professor of pharmacology and physiology expresses that if these results are confirmed, this could be considered one of the major discoveries towards the treatment of addiction through a rather unconventional way (semaglutide). As a result, clinical trials are now being conducted to further study the effects of semaglutide consumption on reducing alcohol cravings. However, because the trials are still in progress, Simmons expresses that we really do not know yet whether semaglutide really does affect one’s cravings for alcohol. 

Drugs that contain semaglutide, such as Ozempic, do bring with them negative side effects that could vary from user to user. These side effects range from stomach pain and vomiting to kidney failure and cancer.  

Johnston’s Results from Semaglutide Use 

Since taking weight loss drugs that contain semaglutide, Johnston (who is referenced above) has lost 45 pounds and is drinking about 75% less than she used to. While she has had a positive experience through this process, results certainly may vary depending on the individual. As more trials become conducted, it will be interesting to see if semaglutide can decrease cravings for alcohol and help users overcome their addiction.  

Alcohol addiction is an issue that we see first-hand at Victory. We specialize in treating adults with substance use disorders, including those with alcohol addictions. Total treatment is provided under one roof, which includes medication-assisted treatment, behavioral health services, psychiatric services, and wellness services. If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction, Victory would like to help. Learn more by visiting our website www.victoryrp.com