Can Ozempic Help People Recover From Substance Addiction?

Doctors share the possibilities and limitations of using semaglutide as treatment for substance use disorder.

You’re probably all too familiar with Ozempic and other diabetes medications that are commonly used as weight-loss drugs. Diet culture is in the spotlight again, and public figures like Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey have shared that they’ve taken the medication (or a similar one).

Here’s the more interesting news: According to recent research, Ozempic may not only address diabetes symptoms or lead to short-term weight loss — it could also potentially help people recovering from addiction.

Essentially, Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for semaglutide, which is in the GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) drug class. It can make rewarding substances less, well, rewarding, by altering the release of dopamine (the “pleasure” neurotransmitter).

For example, “Botched” doctor Terry Dubrow said Ozempic took away his appetite and the joy of eating (though, side note, we have to stop blaming a “lack of willpower” for eating wrongfully demonized foods). And many others have reported a similar experience.

Many are theorizing that semaglutide could have the same effect on addictive substances and behaviors: People may be less likely to turn to their substance(s) of choice, whether that’s alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cocaine or something else.