Does Ozempic Help With Addiction?

Researchers and healthcare professionals are continually seeking innovative approaches to improve the treatment of drug and alcohol addictions.

One approach that is currently under investigation is the prescription drug Ozempic, a weight loss medication primarily used for managing diabetes. Although not intended for addiction treatment, a number of users of the medication have reported stopping alcohol/drug consumption, quitting smoking, and ending other addictive behaviours and habits.

Can Ozempic potentially treat addiction? Find out more here.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is the brand name for Semaglutide, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, which works by mimicking the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone in the body.

GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, slowing down the absorption of glucose from the intestines, and reducing the production of glucagon, which is the hormone that raises blood sugar levels.

Ozempic is a drug used for people with diabetes whose bodies do not naturally release insulin and function properly.

The drug is typically administered as a once-weekly injection and is used in conjunction with diet and exercise to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can help improve glycemic control, lower A1c levels, and may also lead to weight loss in some individuals.

Ozempic has recently become famous for its weight loss properties, particularly surrounding celebrities and people who seek the drug for weight loss purposes rather than diabetes management.

It’s important to note that Ozempic should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional, as it may have side effects and is not suitable for everyone. It has not yet been proven to treat drug and alcohol addictions, despite claims and ongoing research.

How Does Addiction Work?

Addiction is a complex disease that can happen to anyone. If the brain and body becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol to function properly, a cycle of addiction occurs that can be extremely hard to overcome.

The addiction process involves significant changes in the brain’s reward and motivation systems. Initially, the person experiences pleasure and reinforcement through the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which associates the substance or behaviour with reward.

Over time, a psychological and physical tolerance to the substance develops, which causes a person to require more of the substance or activity to achieve the same effect. Once dependent on drugs or alcohol, cravings and a loss of control are commonly experienced.

Addiction often results in negative consequences, yet the individual may continue the behaviour despite these drawbacks.

Withdrawal symptoms can occur when attempting to quit drinking alcohol or using drugs, which makes the recovery process more difficult. As a result of the difficulties of quitting substance abuse, alternative treatments are continually researched to find a successful method.

From holistic approaches to residential rehab, there are a number of addiction treatments available. But could Ozempic help with addiction?

Can Ozempic Treat Addiction?

Many people are now wondering does Ozempic help with addiction, and it is something that is being continually researched. There have been a number of people who have claimed to have recovered from addiction once they started using Ozempic.

People have claimed to stop smoking after years of use once they used Ozempic, and others have said it has stopped their cravings for alcohol or other drugs. This may be due to the appetite-suppressing qualities the drug causes, which may also result in a suppressed urge to consume substances, meaning it could improve health or treat addiction.

While Ozempic has its medical uses, it is not a suitable or approved medication for addiction treatment.

What is the Best Addiction Treatment?

Although Ozempic as an addiction treatment drug is still being researched, a known method for recovery is residential rehab treatment. Private rehab facilities such as the rehab centres we work with offer leading drug and alcohol addiction treatments that help residents recover.

Detox, therapies and aftercare are the best forms of treatment, however alternative forms of recovery are still being researched. If you would like help to recover from your addiction, call 0151 268 6992 or fill out our contact form today.

Posted on Friday, January 5th, 2024 at 9:20 am in Addiction, Latest News.