{"id":29672,"date":"2024-07-31T11:19:06","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T18:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/taking-ozempic-to-lose-belly-fat-heres-what-you-need-to-know-copy"},"modified":"2025-11-18T13:38:32","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T21:38:32","slug":"ozempic-for-substance-abuse-can-it-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/ozempic-for-substance-abuse-can-it-help","title":{"rendered":"Ozempic for Substance Abuse: Can It Help?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>While <a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/ozempic\">Ozempic<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/semaglutide\">semaglutide<\/a>) is widely known for its role in managing type 2 diabetes, recently researchers have begun to explore Ozempic for substance abuse and addiction treatment.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"benefits-of-ozempic\">Benefits of Ozempic<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/ozempic\">Ozempic<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/semaglutide\">semaglutide<\/a>) 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.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"unexpected-benefits-of-ozempic\">Unexpected benefits of Ozempic<\/h3>\n<p>While Ozempic is primarily known for blood sugar control, it also offers several other health benefits:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/how-does-ozempic-work-understanding-glp-1s-for-diabetes-weight-loss-and-beyond\">Lowers blood pressure<\/a>: Ozempic has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Improves lipid profiles and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/full\/10.1056\/NEJMoa2413258\">fatty liver disease<\/a>: It can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce liver fat, benefiting those with fatty liver disease.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Reduces the risk of heart and <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12258229\/\">kidney disease<\/a>: Ozempic has been found to lower the risk of heart disease and kidney complications in people with type 2 diabetes.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/full\/10.1056\/NEJMoa1607141\">Improves cardiovascular outcomes<\/a>: <a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/wegovy\">Wegovy<\/a> (which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic) is now <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery\">FDA-approved<\/a> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Ozempic has also recently been studied for its potential to help treat substance abuse.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"recent-findings-on-ozempic-and-substance-abuse\">Recent findings on Ozempic and substance abuse<\/h2>\n<p>Recent studies have shown <a href=\"https:\/\/news.unchealthcare.org\/2024\/06\/clinical-trial-on-semaglutide-shows-promise-for-treatment-of-alcohol-use-disorder-warrants-further-trials\/\">promising results<\/a> in using Ozempic for substance abuse. While clinical studies in humans have not yet been completed, preclinical trials are showing encouraging results:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Rodent Studies:\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37192005\/\">Research<\/a> 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.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\">Research conducted by <a href=\"https:\/\/pennstatehealthnews.org\/2024\/04\/qa-can-weight-loss-drugs-help-in-addiction-treatment\/\">Penn State<\/a> found that Ozempic and similar medications reduced relapse to heroin and fentanyl seeking in male and female rats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Preliminary Human Findings:\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\">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.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/add.16679\">One study<\/a> 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.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\">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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-ozempic-may-work-for-tackling-substance-abuse\" data-start=\"98\" data-end=\"153\">Why Ozempic May Work for Tackling Substance Abuse<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"155\" data-end=\"608\">Scientists are still working to understand exactly how Ozempic and similar medications <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/shots-health-news\/2024\/10\/18\/nx-s1-5156068\/ozempic-semaglutide-alcohol-drug-treatment\">help with substance abuse<\/a>. Currently, Kyle Simmons, director of Oklahoma State University&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"1073\">Additionally, Dr. Lorenzo Leggio, clinical director at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, explains that the brain mechanisms involved in food\u2011seeking behaviors overlap with those related to addiction. In other words, Ozempic works by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/news-events\/research-update\/semaglutide-shows-promise-potential-alcohol-use-disorder-medication\">targeting a hormone that signals fullness<\/a>, and, through mechanisms not yet fully understood, it weakens the brain&#8217;s connection between food and pleasure, which in turn may extend to other addictive behaviors.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ozempic-mental-health-benefits\" data-start=\"1080\" data-end=\"1116\">Ozempic Mental Health Benefits<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1401\">Moreover, research shows that one in four adults with serious mental health problems will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/mental-health\/mental-health-substance-use-co-occurring-disorders\">also have a substance abuse problem<\/a>. Furthermore, certain mental health problems\u2014like depression and anxiety disorders\u2014can increase the chance of developing a substance abuse problem.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1403\" data-end=\"1747\">Although Ozempic and other GLP\u20111 medications do not treat depression or anxiety, there is evidence they may help prevent it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epicresearch.org\/articles\/most-glp-1-medications-correlated-with-a-lower-likelihood-of-anxiety-and-depression-diagnoses\">A study by Epic Research<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"taking-ozempic-for-substance-abuse-recovery\">Taking Ozempic for substance abuse recovery<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re interested in using Ozempic, <a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/\">Heally<\/a> can help. <a href=\"https:\/\/md.getheally.com\/f\/vshop-book_appt?visit_type_first=true&amp;visit_type_ids=3070\">Schedule a consultation<\/a> with Heally today to discuss how Ozempic can support your goals.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sources\">Sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/news-events\/research-update\/semaglutide-shows-promise-potential-alcohol-use-disorder-medication\">Semaglutide shows promise as a potential alcohol use disorder medication<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">CBS News: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/ozempic-wegovy-alcohol-addiction-treatment\/\">Unexpected side effect from popular weight loss drugs studied for help with addiction treatment<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">UNC Health: <a href=\"https:\/\/news.unchealthcare.org\/2024\/06\/clinical-trial-on-semaglutide-shows-promise-for-treatment-of-alcohol-use-disorder-warrants-further-trials\/\">Clinical Trial on Semaglutide Shows Promise for Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder, Warrants Further Trials<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">NPR: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/shots-health-news\/2024\/10\/18\/nx-s1-5156068\/ozempic-semaglutide-alcohol-drug-treatment\">Ozempic shows promise for alcohol and drug addiction, study finds<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Penn State Health News: <a href=\"https:\/\/pennstatehealthnews.org\/2024\/04\/qa-can-weight-loss-drugs-help-in-addiction-treatment\/\">Q&amp;A: Can weight loss drugs help in addiction treatment?<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Scientific American: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/could-new-weight-loss-drugs-like-ozempic-treat-addiction1\/\">Could New Weight-Loss Drugs like Ozempic Treat Addiction?<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">WebMD: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/obesity\/features\/ozempic-obesity-meds-health-benefits\">Do Ozempic, Other Obesity Meds Have Extra Health Benefits?<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Healthline: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/ways-ozempic-wegovy-improve-health\">5 Ways Ozempic, Wegovy, and Other Weight Loss Drugs May Improve Your Health<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/mental-health\/mental-health-substance-use-co-occurring-disorders\">Mental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Epic Research: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epicresearch.org\/articles\/most-glp-1-medications-correlated-with-a-lower-likelihood-of-anxiety-and-depression-diagnoses\">Most GLP-1 Medications Correlated with a Lower Likelihood of Anxiety and Depression Diagnoses<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">The New England Journal of Medicine: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/full\/10.1056\/NEJMoa1607141\">Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">National Library of Medicine: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12258229\/\">Semaglutide &#8211; a key medication for managing cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Harvard Health Publishing: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/how-does-ozempic-work-understanding-glp-1s-for-diabetes-weight-loss-and-beyond\">How does Ozempic work? Understanding GLP-1s for diabetes, weight loss, and beyond\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">The New England Journal of Medicine: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/full\/10.1056\/NEJMoa2413258\">Phase 3 Trial of Semaglutide in Metabolic Dysfunction\u2013Associated Steatohepatitis<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"important-medical-information-and-disclaimers\" data-start=\"44\" data-end=\"93\"><strong data-start=\"44\" data-end=\"93\">Important Medical Information and Disclaimers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"95\" data-end=\"713\"><strong data-start=\"95\" data-end=\"118\">MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:<\/strong> This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2023\/209637s020s021lbl.pdf\">Ozempic<\/a>\u00a0(for type 2 diabetes) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2024\/215256s011lbl.pdf\">Wegovy<\/a> (for chronic weight management) are FDA\u2011approved semaglutide medications. Ozempic was approved in 2017 for the treatment of type\u202f2 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. <span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment involving semaglutide.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"715\" data-end=\"1038\"><strong data-start=\"715\" data-end=\"743\">INDIVIDUAL RESULTS VARY:<\/strong> Responses to semaglutide can differ widely. Outcomes depend on factors like dosage (Ozempic versus higher\u2011dose Wegovy), treatment adherence, diet, and physical activity. Age, metabolism, existing medical conditions, and overall wellbeing also influence results.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1040\" data-end=\"1073\"><strong data-start=\"1040\" data-end=\"1073\">IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1075\" data-end=\"1397\">\n<li data-start=\"1075\" data-end=\"1153\">\n<p data-start=\"1077\" data-end=\"1153\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"23\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Common side effects<\/strong> (\u22655% of users) include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache, fatigue, and injection\u2011site reactions. These occur with both Ozempic and Wegovy<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1313\">\n<p data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1313\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"26\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Thyroid considerations<\/strong>: In rodent studies, semaglutide was associated with thyroid C\u2011cell 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\u202f2 (MEN\u202f2)<\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1315\" data-end=\"1397\">\n<p data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1397\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"42\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Unapproved compounded products warning<\/strong>: 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers\/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">FDA\u2011approved<\/a> medications.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1582\"><strong data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1431\">FDA ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING:<\/strong> If you experience negative side effects, you are encouraged to report them to the FDA via MedWatch: visit <a class=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medwatch\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1538\" data-end=\"1558\">www.fda.gov\/medwatch<\/a> or call\u202f1\u2011800\u2011FDA\u20111088.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"While Ozempic (semaglutide) is widely known for its role in managing type 2 diabetes, recently researchers have begun&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":29674,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1794],"tags":[2378,2379,1797,1793,1796],"class_list":{"0":"post-29672","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-weight-loss","8":"tag-addiction","9":"tag-off-label-use","10":"tag-ozempic","11":"tag-semaglutide","12":"tag-semaglutide-injections"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Ozempic for Substance Abuse: Can It Help?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How Ozempic, a medication primarily used for diabetes, is being explored for its role in treating substance abuse disorders. 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