OOzempic

Ozempic for Substance Abuse: Can It Help?

While Ozempic (semaglutide) is widely known for its role in managing type 2 diabetes, recently researchers have begun to explore Ozempic for substance abuse and addiction treatment.

Though studies on this topic are still limited, the growing body of evidence suggests that Ozempic may offer hope for those struggling with addiction. Research is still ongoing, but if studies continue to show results, it may offer a new avenue for recovery.

Benefits of Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved medication used to help manage type 2 diabetes by helping to control blood sugar. But the benefits might not stop there. Research has uncovered several unexpected benefits of Ozempic.

Unexpected benefits of Ozempic

While Ozempic is primarily known for blood sugar control, it also offers several other health benefits:

  • Lowers blood pressure: Ozempic has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure.
  • Improves lipid profiles and fatty liver disease: It can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce liver fat, benefiting those with fatty liver disease.
  • Reduces the risk of heart and kidney disease: Ozempic has been found to lower the risk of heart disease and kidney complications in people with type 2 diabetes.
  • Improves cardiovascular outcomes: Wegovy (which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic) is now FDA-approved for chronic weight loss and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight.

Ozempic has also recently been studied for its potential to help treat substance abuse.

Recent findings on Ozempic and substance abuse

Recent studies have shown promising results in using Ozempic for substance abuse. While clinical studies in humans have not yet been completed, preclinical trials are showing encouraging results:

  • Rodent Studies:
    • Research conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and The Scripps Research Institute found that semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption and binge-like drinking in rodents.
    • Research conducted by Penn State found that Ozempic and similar medications reduced relapse to heroin and fentanyl seeking in male and female rats.
  • Preliminary Human Findings:
    • In a small, unpublished study, individuals who were given semaglutide experienced a reduction in heavy drinking and drinking quantity compared to those in the placebo group.
    • One study found those on Ozempic or similar medications had a 50% lower rate of binge drinking compared to those not on the medication. Those with opioid use disorder who were prescribed Ozempic had a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose.
    • A trial at Caron Treatment Centers conducted by Penn State found a 40% reduction in opioid cravings among participants taking the GLP-1 drug liraglutide compared to those receiving a placebo.

There are also plenty of anecdotal reports that Ozempic also helps reduce cravings for other substances, such as nicotine, alcohol, and even compulsive behaviors like gambling and skin picking.

Why Ozempic May Work for Tackling Substance Abuse

Scientists are still working to understand exactly how Ozempic and similar medications help with substance abuse. Currently, Kyle Simmons, director of Oklahoma State University’s Biomedical Imaging Center, is leading one of several clinical trials examining whether semaglutide can reduce alcohol cravings. In his research, he suggests that the drug affects the brain by diminishing the pleasure associated with drinking alcohol.

Additionally, Dr. Lorenzo Leggio, clinical director at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, explains that the brain mechanisms involved in food‑seeking behaviors overlap with those related to addiction. In other words, Ozempic works by targeting a hormone that signals fullness, and, through mechanisms not yet fully understood, it weakens the brain’s connection between food and pleasure, which in turn may extend to other addictive behaviors.

Ozempic Mental Health Benefits

Moreover, research shows that one in four adults with serious mental health problems will also have a substance abuse problem. Furthermore, certain mental health problems—like depression and anxiety disorders—can increase the chance of developing a substance abuse problem.

Although Ozempic and other GLP‑1 medications do not treat depression or anxiety, there is evidence they may help prevent it. A study by Epic Research found that people taking semaglutide were 45% less likely to receive a new depression diagnosis. They were also 44% less likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Taking Ozempic for substance abuse recovery

Ozempic is not yet approved specifically for treating substance abuse. But clinical trials are still ongoing and positive early findings suggest that this may change in the future.

If you’re interested in using Ozempic, Heally can help. Schedule a consultation with Heally today to discuss how Ozempic can support your goals.

Sources

Important Medical Information and Disclaimers

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for chronic weight management) are FDA‑approved semaglutide medications. Ozempic was approved in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Wegovy received FDA approval in 2021 for weight loss in adults and teens with obesity or overweight. In 2024, Wegovy gained additional approval to help reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with obesity or overweight and heart disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment involving semaglutide.

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS VARY: Responses to semaglutide can differ widely. Outcomes depend on factors like dosage (Ozempic versus higher‑dose Wegovy), treatment adherence, diet, and physical activity. Age, metabolism, existing medical conditions, and overall wellbeing also influence results.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

  • Common side effects (≥5% of users) include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache, fatigue, and injection‑site reactions. These occur with both Ozempic and Wegovy

  • Thyroid considerations: In rodent studies, semaglutide was associated with thyroid C‑cell tumors; whether this applies to humans is unclear. Semaglutide is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

  • Unapproved compounded products warning: The FDA has issued alerts about unapproved semaglutide formulations marketed for weight loss; these may lack proven safety, consistency, or efficacy and are not substitutions for FDA‑approved medications.

FDA ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING: If you experience negative side effects, you are encouraged to report them to the FDA via MedWatch: visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088.

 

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Dr. Vanessa Niles is an Award-winning physician with more than 30 years of experience practicing medicine in the Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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