Can Ozempic and weight-loss drugs help with addiction?

Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs have helped some people lose weight. They're mostly prescribed to patients diagnosed with cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and obesity. Some health professionals wondered whether these popular drugs could also help those struggling with addiction.

According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, weight-loss drugs that contain liraglutide and semaglutide can help curb alcohol cravings. According to NBC News, researchers tested over 228,000 people with alcoholism. They found that patients on GLP-1 drugs are less likely to have alcohol-related hospitalizations.

There are currently 28 million U.S. adults who struggle with alcoholism, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. There are only three FDA-approved medications that treat this addiction, reports USA Today. This recent finding doesn't necessarily mean the FDA will also approve Ozempic, Wegovy, and other weight-loss drugs for addiction treatment. 

The popularity of these weight-loss drugs has led to the release of fake versions online and on the black market. Both the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization issued warnings about purchasing drugs from other countries. This guide will explore the added benefits of weight-loss drugs, especially with behavioral addictions.

New study reveals potential addiction benefits of popular weight-loss drugs  

One common side effect of popular weight-loss drugs is a decreased desire to drink. Some patients who consumed three drinks per day reported having two drinks per week while on Ozempic. There could be a reason behind this. These weight-loss drugs have added benefits when it comes to addiction. 

According to a study in the scientific journal Addiction, weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can help curb alcohol and drug addiction. The research found that patients who were prescribed Ozempic and similar drugs were less likely to overdose on drugs. That study also found that 50% of people reduced their alcohol intake.

The study took place at the Loyola University of Chicago. The panel studied over 500,000 participants who struggled with opioids or alcohol use disorder. Over 8,000 participants took Ozempic.

Another study from July found that Ozempic users had a lower risk for cognitive decline. Researchers found that the same results couldn't be applied to patients with diabetes. That study was conducted at the University of Oxford.

Researchers found that Ozempic use also led to cognitive decline and nicotine use. The weight-loss drug also reduces an individual's risk for anxiety, dementia, and depression.

Can Ozempic help with behavioral addictions or just substance abuse?

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic can do more than help those who struggle with alcohol use disorder. It can also reduce addictive behaviors, reports CNN. That means the drug can help those who struggle with behavioral addictions, such as porn addiction or shopping addiction.

However, there isn’t enough research to support this. Drugmakers aren't looking to run additional clinical trials during this time. More research is needed in human clinical trials. Experts need to prove that semaglutides and similar drugs can help with behavioral addictions.

What medications are traditionally used to help fight addiction?

As previously mentioned, there are three medications available to treat addiction. These medications are Buprenorphine, Methadone, and Naltrexone. Mental health professionals use these medicines as part of medication-assisted treatment.

This type of treatment isn't just for alcohol use disorder. It can also help with behavioral addictions. For example, gambling and porn addiction can be linked to co-occurring mental health problems and substance use. Medication is combined with other therapies, such as CBT, counseling, and self-help support groups.

Virtual therapy for behavioral and process addictions

Virtual therapy can help with both behavioral and process addictions. This comprehensive form of treatment includes a combination of science-based therapies, holistic practices, and the treatment of co-occurring disorders. It can also treat co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorder.

Like traditional therapy, virtual therapy is talk-based with a licensed clinician or counselor. Sessions take place via video chat or phone. Virtual therapy can treat a multitude of conditions, including anger, impulsivity, and stress. This can be applied to both behavioral and substance use disorders.

Virtual therapy is an attractive option for individuals who don't have access to therapy. It removes the stigma associated with mental health. It also reduces the barrier to receiving treatment by giving individuals greater control and options.

Birches Health is a mental health platform that offers treatment for various conditions. Individuals connect with licensed clinicians who specialize in various addictions and disorders.

There are several ways to get started with Birches Health today:

• Schedule an Appointment

• Speak With Our Care Team 

• Refer a Loved One

• Take the Self-Assessment

You can also call us at 833-483-3838 or email us at hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with our Birches team as soon as possible. 

Sources:

• Ozempic and Wegovy may help curb alcohol addiction, study suggests - NBC News 

• Weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy may also curb alcohol addiction, study says - USA Today 

• The surprising side effect of Ozempic: Less alcohol use - Bloom Tampa Bay

• Weight loss drugs may help reduce drug and alcohol misuse: Research  - The Hill

• Weight-loss meds like Ozempic may help curb addictive behaviors, but drugmakers aren’t running trials to find out - CNN