A word from Dr. Paul on using GLP-1 medications as a tool to assist in your multifauceted approach to decrease alcohol use and improve metabolic health conditions…

“In recent years, a new class of drugs, including Semaglutide (sold under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy), has gained attention for treating various conditions. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these drugs, known as “glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists,” are now being studied for treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). As a physician specializing in Addiction Medicine, I have witnessed the challenges of treating AUD. While medications like Naltrexone help, their effectiveness varies, leading to high relapse rates. Semaglutide, which mimics natural hormones, influences the brain’s reward system, reducing cravings for alcohol and food. My patients using Semaglutide for diabetes or obesity have reported decreased alcohol consumption, indicating its potential for treating AUD.

Semaglutide’s effects on the brain’s reward system make it a promising candidate for AUD treatment. Animal studies and clinical trials on overweight individuals with AUD have shown reduced alcohol intake with Semaglutide. Minor side effects like nausea and constipation are manageable, highlighting its tolerability. Although more trials are needed, Semaglutide presents an exciting possibility for reducing alcohol consumption and aiding recovery from AUD. While it’s not yet a frontline treatment, Semaglutide could become a valuable addition to our therapeutic options for AUD. If patients meet criteria for Semaglutide use, it could be a suitable approach to reducing alcohol consumption.”

 

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