How weight loss medications like Ozempic could help reduce substance use
Weight loss medications like Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy and Mounjaro are making waves — not just for their dramatic effects on weight loss but also for their unexpected impact on behaviours like drinking alcohol and substance use.
Recent studies suggest these drugs may do more than help people shed pounds. They might also play a role in curbing addictions to alcohol, nicotine, or even opioids.
What the research studies say
A groundbreaking study published in the journal Addiction on October 17 found that people taking Ozempic or similar medications were significantly less likely to engage in substance misuse.
Here are the key findings:
Alcohol use: Participants taking these medications were 50% less likely to experience alcohol intoxication.
Opioid use: This group was also 40% less likely to overdose on opioids.
The study analysed data from over 500,000 people with a history of opioid use disorder and 800,000 people with a history of alcohol abuse.
Among those groups, researchers closely examined the thousands who were using medications like Ozempic for weight management or Type 2 diabetes.
The results were striking: people on these medications reported significantly lower rates of substance use.
Dr Fares Qeadan, the study’s lead author, described the findings as a potential “novel therapeutic pathway” for substance use treatment. In other words, these drugs could open new doors for those struggling with addiction.
Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Originally designed to treat Type 2 diabetes, they work by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels, slows digestion and reduces appetite.
However, researchers believe GLP-1 drugs do more than manage weight. They appear to affect the brain’s reward system — specifically the regions tied to cravings and addiction.
Dr Robert Kushner, a GLP-1 researcher at Northwestern University, explained to NPR that participants in clinical trials often reported unexpected behavioural changes, such as drinking less alcohol, shopping less, or thinking about food less often.
This “dampening” of reward signals may explain why people on GLP-1 drugs are reducing their alcohol or drug use. Simply put, the things that once pleased them — like alcohol, overeating, or even nicotine — may no longer feel as rewarding.
Weight loss and alcohol use
A July study from the University of Oxford supports these findings. It showed that people taking Ozempic were more likely to cut back on drinking, particularly those who drank heavily.
Those with the highest levels of drinking were 19 times more likely to reduce their alcohol consumption compared to light drinkers.
Interestingly, this reduction wasn’t limited to Ozempic or Wegovy. Older diabetes medications, like metformin, also showed similar effects, suggesting that participating in a weight management program could encourage healthier habits overall.
Dr Riccardo De Giorgi, the Oxford study’s lead researcher, highlighted the broader potential of these drugs: “Our results suggest that semaglutide use could extend beyond managing diabetes, potentially offering unexpected benefits in the treatment and prevention of cognitive decline and substance misuse.”
Even casual drinkers are noticing changes. Many people on weight loss medications report that they don’t enjoy alcohol as much anymore. For some, the taste is less appealing. For others, the desire to drink fades altogether.
This phenomenon aligns with the idea that GLP-1 drugs dull the brain’s reward signals. If food cravings diminish, it makes sense that other sources of pleasure — like alcohol— might lose their appeal too.
The implications of these findings are huge, especially for people struggling with addiction. Substance use disorders are notoriously difficult to treat, with high relapse rates even after successful interventions.
If GLP-1 drugs can help reduce cravings and risky behaviours, they could become a powerful tool in addiction treatment.
Beyond addiction, these drugs might also have benefits for mental health. The Oxford study found no increased risk of anxiety, depression, or dementia among users, which suggests they are generally safe for long-term use.
And it’s not just about substance use. By improving overall health and encouraging behaviour change, GLP-1 drugs could help people build healthier lifestyles.
Kushner noted that participants often reported less “food noise”— that constant preoccupation with eating — and felt more in control of their habits.
If you’re taking medications like Ozempic or considering them, these findings may offer unexpected hope. Not only could these drugs help you lose weight, but they might also help break unhealthy habits — whether that’s excessive drinking, smoking or overeating.
Of course, these medications aren’t magic pills. They work best when combined with lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise and ongoing support from healthcare providers.
Although the research is promising, more studies are needed to fully understand how these drugs affect behaviour in the long term.l
While the potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs are exciting, they do come with side effects. Common issues include nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort.
In rare cases, they may also increase the risk of pancreatitis or gallbladder problems. If you’re considering these medications, talk to your doctor about whether they’re right for you.
The link between weight loss medications and addiction reduction is a game-changer. As researchers continue to uncover the full potential of GLP-1 drugs, it’s clear that their benefits extend far beyond weight loss.