Ozempic for Addiction: Can Weight Loss Drugs Like Semaglutide Treat Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders? | Charlotte, NC
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro—the blockbuster weight loss medications dominating headlines—may do far more than help people shed pounds. Groundbreaking research published in 2024-2025 reveals that people taking GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) for diabetes or obesity experienced a shocking 40% reduction in opioid overdoses and 50% reduction in alcohol intoxication compared to those not taking the medications. Patients report their cravings for alcohol, cigarettes, opioids, and even gambling “just disappeared.” Elite rehab centers are now prescribing semaglutide off-label specifically to treat addiction, calling it a potential “paradigm shift” in substance abuse treatment.
But can a weight loss drug really cure addiction? At Nova Transformations in Charlotte, North Carolina, we’re closely monitoring this emerging research while providing evidence-based dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both addiction and co-occurring conditions like obesity. The science behind GLP-1 drugs and addiction is genuinely exciting—these medications appear to act on the same brain reward pathways involved in substance use, potentially dampening cravings across multiple addictive behaviors. However, the research is still early, questions about long-term effectiveness remain, and concerns about side effects like “emotional blunting” are emerging.
This comprehensive guide explains what GLP-1 drugs are, the compelling research showing dramatic reductions in substance abuse, how these medications work on brain reward circuits, what substances they may help with, real patient experiences, controversies and risks, who should (and shouldn’t) consider them, and how innovative medication management fits into comprehensive addiction treatment in Charlotte.
Reduction in opioid overdoses and alcohol intoxication among people taking GLP-1 drugs in landmark 2024 study
What Are GLP-1 Drugs? Understanding Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro
The Basics
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic a natural hormone your small intestine releases after eating.
Common GLP-1 Drugs:
- Semaglutide: Ozempic (diabetes), Wegovy (weight loss), Rybelsus (oral)
- Tirzepatide: Mounjaro (diabetes), Zepbound (weight loss)
- Liraglutide: Victoza (diabetes), Saxenda (weight loss)
- Exenatide: Byetta, Bydureon (diabetes)
- Dulaglutide: Trulicity (diabetes)
How GLP-1 Drugs Work
Originally approved for:
- Type 2 diabetes (regulating blood sugar)
- Weight loss/obesity (higher doses)
Mechanism of action:
- Slow stomach emptying → feeling full longer
- Boost insulin production → blood sugar control
- Suppress appetite → reduce food cravings
- Act on brain satiety centers → “I’m satisfied”
The Weight Loss Phenomenon
- Average weight loss: 15-20% of body weight
- Prescriptions skyrocketed: Millions of people now taking them
- Celebrity endorsements: Widespread in pop culture
- Shortage issues: High demand causing supply problems
- Cost: $900-$1,400 per month without insurance
Patient records analyzed in landmark Loyola University study on GLP-1 drugs and addiction
The Groundbreaking Research: GLP-1 Drugs Dramatically Reduce Substance Abuse
The Landmark 2024 Study
Published in the journal Addiction, researchers from Loyola University Chicago analyzed health records of over 1.3 million people with substance use disorders.
Key Findings:
For Opioid Use Disorder (503,747 patients studied):
- 40% LOWER rate of opioid overdose among those taking GLP-1 drugs
- 8,103 patients had GLP-1 prescriptions
- Dramatic protective effect against life-threatening overdoses
For Alcohol Use Disorder (817,309 patients studied):
- 50% LOWER rate of alcohol intoxication among those taking GLP-1 drugs
- 5,621 patients had GLP-1 prescriptions
- Significant reduction in dangerous drinking episodes
Study period: 8 years (2014-2022)
Lead researcher Dr. Fares Qeadan: “While we hypothesized that these medications might impact cravings and reward-seeking behavior, the observed reduction in severe outcomes for individuals with opioid and alcohol use disorders suggests a broader, more protective effect than anticipated.”
Additional Supporting Research
Stanford Medicine Study (2025):
- GLP-1 medication reduced opioid cravings by 40% over three weeks in small study
- Patients with opioid use disorder showed significant improvement
Semaglutide Alcohol Study:
- Randomized controlled trial showed semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption
- Decreased drinks per drinking day
- Reduced cravings in people with alcohol use disorder
- Laboratory alcohol self-administration decreased
Animal Studies (30+ preclinical studies):
- Reduced self-administration of heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, cocaine, nicotine
- Decreased drug-seeking behavior (relapse model)
- Consistently positive results across multiple substances
Real Patient Experiences
Anecdotal reports flooding in from patients taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss:
Kara Stainbrook (45, Pennsylvania):
- Was drinking 1-2 bottles of vodka per week
- Started Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in June 2023
- “From day one, it has literally changed me in every aspect of my life”
- Lost 70 pounds AND desire to drink completely disappeared
- Keeps last vodka bottle as reminder—hasn’t touched it
Common patient reports:
- “I just don’t want to drink anymore”
- “Cigarettes don’t appeal to me at all”
- “My gambling urges vanished”
- “I can take or leave alcohol—the compulsion is gone”
How Do GLP-1 Drugs Work on Addiction? The Brain Science
The Mesolimbic Reward System
GLP-1 drugs act on the brain’s reward circuitry—the same pathways involved in addiction:
- Mesolimbic system: Brain region governing pleasure, reward, motivation
- Dopamine: Neurotransmitter central to addiction—provides “feel good” signal
- Ventral striatum: Key area GLP-1 receptors target
- Overlap: Circuits for food reward overlap with drug/alcohol reward
Why GLP-1 Drugs May Reduce Cravings
The theory:
- GLP-1 drugs activate receptors in reward centers that normally respond to eating
- These receptors overlap with addiction pathways
- Activating them may dampen overall reward-seeking including for drugs/alcohol
- Reduces “wanting” (motivation) even if you still “like” the substance
- May normalize dysregulated dopamine signaling characteristic of addiction
Dr. Lorenzo Leggio (NIH researcher): These drugs appear to reduce the rewarding value of addictive substances, not just suppress appetite.
What Makes This Different from Other Addiction Medications
- Broad spectrum: May work across MULTIPLE addictions (alcohol, opioids, nicotine, gambling)
- Different mechanism: Not naltrexone (opioid blocker) or buprenorphine (opioid replacement)
- Targets reward system directly rather than specific drug receptors
- May address underlying vulnerability to addictive behaviors generally
What Addictions May GLP-1 Drugs Help Treat?
Substances with Research Evidence
1. Alcohol Use Disorder ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
STRONGEST EVIDENCE
- 50% reduction in alcohol intoxication (observational study)
- Randomized controlled trial showed reduced alcohol consumption
- Decreased cravings in laboratory settings
- More than half of animal studies focused on alcohol
- Patients report complete loss of desire to drink
2. Opioid Use Disorder ⭐⭐⭐⭐
VERY PROMISING
- 40% reduction in opioid overdoses (observational study)
- Animal studies show reduced heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone self-administration
- Decreased drug-seeking behavior (relapse prevention)
- 40% reduction in cravings over 3 weeks (small human study)
- Elite rehab centers prescribing for opioid addiction
3. Nicotine/Tobacco Use Disorder ⭐⭐⭐⭐
PROMISING
- Animal studies show reduced nicotine self-administration
- Decreased relapse to nicotine seeking
- Many patients report spontaneous smoking cessation
- “Cigarettes just don’t appeal anymore”
- Clinical trials underway
4. Cocaine/Stimulant Use Disorder ⭐⭐⭐
EARLY EVIDENCE
- Animal studies show reduced cocaine self-administration
- Decreased cocaine seeking
- Small human studies with mixed results
- Needs more research
5. Cannabis Use Disorder ⭐⭐⭐
EMERGING EVIDENCE
- Observational data links GLP-1 use to lower cannabis use disorder rates
- Patient reports of reduced marijuana cravings
- Limited research currently
Behavioral Addictions Being Studied
- Gambling addiction: Researchers investigating GLP-1 effects
- Shopping/spending addiction: Under investigation
- Sexual compulsivity: Being examined
- Food addiction/binge eating: GLP-1s already help (approved use)
Theory: If GLP-1 drugs dampen reward-seeking generally, they may help with ANY compulsive behavior driven by dysregulated dopamine.
✨ What This Means
GLP-1 drugs may be the first medications capable of addressing multiple addictions simultaneously by acting on fundamental brain reward pathways. This could be transformative for the many people with more than one substance use disorder (which is common—people with alcohol addiction often smoke, use marijuana, etc.).
Elite Rehab Centers Already Using GLP-1s for Addiction
Caron Treatment Centers (Pennsylvania)
One of America’s most prestigious rehab facilities is now prescribing semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) specifically to treat addiction—not weight loss.
What doctors report:
- Medications have “obliterated” patients’ cravings for opioids and alcohol
- Patients express amazement that desires simply vanished
- Used as part of comprehensive treatment program
- Considered a “paradigm shift” in addiction medicine
Dr. W. Kyle Simmons (Oklahoma State University):
- Published first case series showing semaglutide effectively reduced alcohol consumption
- 6 patients with alcohol use disorder
- Using neuroimaging to see how medication alters brain response to alcohol
- Tracking behavioral changes alongside brain changes
Off-Label Prescribing Growing
- Addiction specialists increasingly prescribing GLP-1s for substance use disorders
- Not FDA-approved for addiction (off-label use)
- Based on emerging research and patient reports
- Usually combined with therapy and other treatment
The Controversies and Concerns
1. “It’s Too Early” – Research Limitations
Critics caution:
- Observational data can’t prove causation: Large studies show association, not cause-effect
- No large randomized controlled trials yet: Gold standard research still needed
- Short-term studies only: Longest follow-up just weeks/months
- Unknown long-term effectiveness: Will it work for years? Or wear off?
- Publication bias: Negative results may not be published
Dr. Christian Hendershot (University of North Carolina): “It’s too soon to endorse off-label use for addiction. We need rigorous randomized controlled trials first.”
2. Emotional Blunting and Anhedonia
Concerning reports emerging:
- Some patients report “emotional numbing” on GLP-1 drugs
- Anhedonia: Reduced ability to feel pleasure from anything
- “Food doesn’t bring joy, but neither does anything else”
- May affect motivation, relationships, quality of life
- Potentially problematic for people in addiction recovery who need to find healthy sources of pleasure
Dr. Anna Lembke (Stanford addiction specialist): Concerned about reports of emotional blunting—we need to understand this better before widespread addiction use.
3. What Happens When You Stop?
- Weight regain: People typically regain weight after stopping GLP-1s
- Will cravings return? Unknown if addiction benefits persist after discontinuation
- Need for indefinite use? May require staying on medication long-term
- Insurance/cost barriers: Many insurers don’t cover long-term
- What if supply runs out? Shortage issues create access problems
Patient concern (Kara Stainbrook): “I don’t feel like I have a drinking problem now, but I also know if I go off the medication, I kind of think I will again.”
4. Side Effects
Common GLP-1 drug side effects:
- Nausea and vomiting (very common initially)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite (intended effect, but can be extreme)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Serious potential risks:
- Pancreatitis: Rare but serious—people with alcohol use disorder already at higher risk
- Gallbladder problems
- Thyroid tumors (seen in animal studies—black box warning)
- Kidney problems
- Severe hypoglycemia (if combined with insulin/sulfonylureas)
- Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) in some cases
5. Cost and Access
- $900-$1,400 per month without insurance
- Most insurance covers for diabetes/obesity—NOT addiction
- As of 2025, some insurers stopping coverage even for weight loss
- Creates inequity—only wealthy can afford for addiction treatment
- Supply shortages continue
6. Doesn’t Address Root Causes
- Addiction often rooted in trauma, pain, mental health issues
- Medication alone doesn’t heal underlying wounds
- Need comprehensive treatment addressing whole person
- Risk of viewing as “magic pill” rather than part of recovery toolkit
⚠️ Critical Perspective
GLP-1 drugs for addiction are NOT FDA-approved, are being used off-label based on preliminary research, have significant unknowns about long-term effectiveness and safety, and should ONLY be used as part of comprehensive treatment under medical supervision—never as standalone “cure” for addiction.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Consider GLP-1 Drugs for Addiction
Potentially Good Candidates
GLP-1 drugs for addiction might be considered for:
- People with co-occurring obesity or type 2 diabetes (approved uses)
- Alcohol or opioid use disorder where other treatments haven’t worked
- People who’ve tried standard addiction medications (naltrexone, buprenorphine, acamprosate) without success
- Multiple substance use disorders (alcohol + nicotine, etc.)
- Those willing to use as part of comprehensive treatment program
- People who can afford long-term use or have insurance coverage
- Those willing to participate in research studies
Who Should NOT Use GLP-1 Drugs
Contraindications and cautions:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- History of pancreatitis (especially with alcohol use disorder)
- Severe gastroparesis
- Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia)—can worsen
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Underweight individuals (BMI too low)
- Can’t afford long-term use
Important Considerations
- Must be prescribed by knowledgeable physician familiar with both addiction medicine and GLP-1 drugs
- Requires monitoring for side effects and effectiveness
- Should be part of comprehensive treatment including therapy, support groups, addressing trauma
- Not a replacement for proven addiction medications when those are working
- Consider research participation to contribute to evidence base
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment at Nova Transformations
At Nova Transformations in Charlotte, NC, we stay at the forefront of addiction treatment innovations while providing evidence-based care proven to work.
Our Medication Management Approach
1. Proven Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Currently evidence-based and FDA-approved:
For Opioid Use Disorder:
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade): Gold standard treatment
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol): Opioid blocker preventing relapse
- Methadone: For severe cases
For Alcohol Use Disorder:
- Naltrexone: Reduces cravings and pleasurable effects
- Acamprosate: Helps maintain abstinence
- Disulfiram: Aversion therapy
2. Monitoring Emerging Research
- Staying informed about GLP-1 drug research
- Evaluating applicability for our patients
- Discussing cutting-edge options with appropriate candidates
- Coordinating with prescribing physicians when relevant
3. Comprehensive Dual Diagnosis Care
Many people seeking addiction treatment also struggle with:
- Obesity: Where GLP-1 drugs ARE FDA-approved
- Depression and anxiety
- PTSD and trauma
- Bipolar disorder
- ADHD
- Chronic pain
Our dual diagnosis program treats ALL co-occurring conditions simultaneously.
4. Evidence-Based Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-focused therapy (EMDR, TF-CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- 12-Step facilitation
- Family therapy
5. Addressing Root Causes
- Understanding trauma driving addiction
- Healing emotional wounds
- Building healthy coping mechanisms
- Developing life skills
- Creating purpose and meaning
6. Flexible Programs
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP):
- 20-30 hours per week
- Intensive treatment with medical monitoring
- Medication management included
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):
- 9-12 hours per week
- Day and evening options
- For working professionals and parents
7. Long-Term Support
- Aftercare planning
- Alumni groups
- Ongoing medication management
- Continued therapy
- 24/7 crisis support
✨ The Nova Difference
- Stay informed about innovations like GLP-1 research while using proven treatments
- Medication management expertise for all FDA-approved addiction medications
- Treat whole person—not just symptoms
- Address co-occurring obesity, diabetes, mental health
- Never rely on medication alone—comprehensive therapy essential
- Individualized care plans based on YOUR needs
- Charlotte location convenient throughout Mecklenburg County
Get Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment in Charlotte
Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge innovations like GLP-1 drugs or proven medication-assisted treatment, Nova Transformations provides expert, individualized care addressing your unique situation. Our team stays at the forefront of addiction medicine research while never losing sight of what matters most: treating the whole person, addressing root causes, and supporting lasting recovery.
We accept most major insurance plans. Unfortunately, we do not accept Medicare or Medicaid at this time.
Confidential assessment available. Recovery is possible with the right treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Emerging research suggests Ozempic (semaglutide) and other GLP-1 drugs may significantly reduce substance abuse, but it’s important to understand both the promise and limitations. A landmark 2024 study published in the journal Addiction analyzing over 1.3 million patient records found that people with opioid use disorder taking GLP-1 drugs had a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose, and those with alcohol use disorder had a 50% lower rate of alcohol intoxication compared to those not taking these medications. Additionally, randomized controlled trials show semaglutide reduces alcohol consumption and cravings in laboratory settings, small studies report 40% reduction in opioid cravings over three weeks, and over 30 animal studies demonstrate reduced drug-seeking behavior for alcohol, opioids, nicotine, and cocaine. Patients taking GLP-1s for weight loss report their desire to drink alcohol or use drugs “just disappeared.” However, critical caveats include that GLP-1 drugs are NOT FDA-approved for addiction treatment (off-label use only), the research is still preliminary with most large studies being observational rather than randomized controlled trials, long-term effectiveness is unknown as studies have only followed patients for weeks to months, we don’t know if benefits persist after stopping medication, concerns about emotional blunting and anhedonia are emerging, and these medications should never be used alone but only as part of comprehensive addiction treatment. While the science is genuinely exciting and GLP-1 drugs may represent a paradigm shift in addiction medicine, more research is needed before endorsing widespread use specifically for addiction.
GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) appear to work on addiction by acting on the brain’s reward circuitry—the same pathways involved in substance use disorders. The mesolimbic system is the brain region governing pleasure, reward, and motivation where dopamine (the neurotransmitter central to addiction) provides “feel good” signals. GLP-1 receptors are present throughout this reward system, particularly in the ventral striatum, and these circuits for food reward overlap significantly with drug and alcohol reward pathways. When GLP-1 drugs activate these receptors, they may dampen overall reward-seeking behavior including for addictive substances, reduce the “wanting” (motivation/craving) even if you still “like” the substance, normalize dysregulated dopamine signaling characteristic of addiction, and decrease the rewarding value of drugs and alcohol making them less appealing. This is fundamentally different from current addiction medications—naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, buprenorphine replaces opioids, disulfiram creates aversion—whereas GLP-1 drugs target the underlying reward system itself. This broad-spectrum effect may explain why they appear to work across MULTIPLE addictions simultaneously (alcohol, opioids, nicotine, cocaine, gambling) rather than targeting one specific substance. Animal studies show GLP-1 drugs administered directly into reward centers reduce drug self-administration and relapse behavior. However, the exact mechanisms are not fully understood and remain under active investigation. What’s clear is these medications are doing something to the fundamental biology of craving and reward that goes beyond their intended effects on appetite and blood sugar.
Using Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs for addiction treatment carries significant risks and side effects that must be carefully considered. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting (very common, especially initially), diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain and cramping, decreased appetite (can be extreme), fatigue and low energy, dizziness, and headaches. Serious potential risks include pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas—rare but dangerous, and people with alcohol use disorder already have higher risk), gallbladder problems including gallstones, thyroid tumors (black box warning based on animal studies), kidney problems especially with dehydration, severe hypoglycemia if combined with insulin or sulfonylureas, gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) in some cases requiring emergency care, and increased heart rate. Emerging concerns specific to addiction treatment include emotional blunting or “numbing”—some patients report reduced ability to feel pleasure from anything, not just food or substances, which is problematic for recovery where finding healthy sources of joy is essential, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), reduced motivation affecting work and relationships, and we don’t know long-term psychological effects. Additional concerns are unknown long-term effectiveness—will benefits last or wear off? What happens when you stop taking medication—do cravings return immediately? Very high cost ($900-$1,400/month) creating access barriers, potential for viewing as “magic pill” rather than addressing root causes of addiction, lack of FDA approval for addiction means insurance typically won’t cover, and shortage issues affecting consistent supply. Contraindications include personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, history of pancreatitis, severe gastroparesis, eating disorders, pregnancy/breastfeeding, and being significantly underweight. These medications should ONLY be used under close medical supervision as part of comprehensive addiction treatment, never as standalone therapy.
At Nova Transformations in Charlotte, NC, we stay at the forefront of addiction treatment innovations while prioritizing proven, evidence-based care. Regarding GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro for addiction treatment, our approach includes closely monitoring emerging research on GLP-1 drugs and addiction with the understanding that preliminary studies are promising but more research is needed, discussing cutting-edge treatment options with appropriate patients when relevant including potential benefits and significant unknowns, coordinating with prescribing physicians when patients have co-occurring conditions where GLP-1 drugs ARE FDA-approved like obesity or type 2 diabetes, and never relying on any medication alone but always providing comprehensive treatment addressing root causes. Currently, we primarily use FDA-approved, evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with proven track records including buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade) for opioid use disorder which remains the gold standard, naltrexone (Vivitrol) for both opioid and alcohol use disorders, acamprosate and disulfiram for alcohol use disorder, and psychiatric medications for co-occurring mental health conditions. Our comprehensive approach treats the whole person through our dual diagnosis program addressing addiction plus obesity, diabetes, depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain or other conditions, evidence-based psychotherapy including CBT, DBT, trauma-focused therapy and motivational interviewing, addressing root causes like trauma, pain and emotional wounds that drive addiction, building healthy coping mechanisms and life skills, family involvement and healing, and long-term aftercare and support. We believe medications—whether proven MAT or emerging options like GLP-1 drugs—are tools in the recovery toolkit, never the entire solution. Recovery requires addressing the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. If you’re interested in discussing whether GLP-1 drugs or any other medication approach might be appropriate for your situation, call (704) 961-9322 for a confidential assessment with our expert team.
GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro MAY represent a significant advancement in addiction treatment, but calling them “the future” requires important nuance. The promise is substantial with 40-50% reductions in substance abuse outcomes in large observational studies, potential to treat multiple addictions simultaneously by targeting fundamental reward pathways, helping people who haven’t responded to other treatments, and offering new hope for the millions struggling with addiction. Elite rehab centers are already prescribing them off-label with doctors reporting cravings being “obliterated.” However, significant limitations and unknowns include that research is preliminary—we need large randomized controlled trials, long-term effectiveness is unknown with longest studies only weeks/months, what happens when you stop is unclear—do cravings return? Concerns about emotional blunting and anhedonia are emerging, cost and access barriers are substantial at $900-$1,400/month without insurance coverage for addiction, side effect profile requires careful monitoring especially pancreatitis risk, and most importantly they don’t address root causes of addiction—trauma, pain, mental health issues that drive substance use. The likely future is that GLP-1 drugs become ONE TOOL in the addiction treatment toolkit alongside proven MAT like buprenorphine and naltrexone, comprehensive psychotherapy addressing trauma and root causes, treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions, family therapy and support systems, lifestyle interventions and skill-building, and long-term recovery support. They will probably work for some people but not others, similar to how naltrexone helps some people with alcohol use disorder but not everyone. The real future of addiction treatment is PERSONALIZED, COMPREHENSIVE care where we match each individual with the combination of medications, therapies, and supports most likely to help THEM specifically—not one-size-fits-all solutions. GLP-1 drugs are an exciting development worth watching closely, but they’re not a magic bullet that replaces the hard work of recovery.
References and Resources
- Qeadan, F., McCunn, A., & Tingey, B. (2024). The association between glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and/or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist prescriptions and substance-related outcomes in patients with opioid and alcohol use disorders: A real-world data analysis. Addiction. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.16679
- National Public Radio (NPR). (2024). Ozempic, Mounjaro may help with alcohol and opioid addiction, study finds. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/
- Stanford Medicine. (2025). Five things to know about GLP-1s and addiction. Stanford Report. Retrieved from https://news.stanford.edu/
- NBC News. (2025). New treatments are needed for alcohol addiction. Are drugs like Ozempic the answer? Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/
- STAT News. (2025). Ozempic for addiction: How an elite rehab center is using GLP-1s to ‘obliterate’ all kinds of cravings. Retrieved from https://www.statnews.com/
- The Florey Institute (Australia). (2024). Can a drug like Ozempic help treat addictions to alcohol, opioids or other substances? Retrieved from https://florey.edu.au/
- ScienceDaily. (2025). Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic may also curb drug and alcohol addiction. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2024). Emerging addiction treatment research. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2024). GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Information for Healthcare Professionals. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/
Charlotte-Area Addiction Treatment Resources:
- Nova Transformations Charlotte: (704) 961-9322
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. GLP-1 drugs are not FDA-approved for addiction treatment. Any use for substance use disorders is off-label and should only be considered under close medical supervision as part of comprehensive treatment. Never start, stop, or change medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Addiction requires professional treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare providers for treatment decisions. If experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Last Updated: November 9, 2025 | Author: Nova Transformations Clinical Team | Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
