Key takeaways:
- Ozempic and alcohol can impact each other in significant ways.
- Ozempic use may decrease alcohol cravings and use.
- Ozempic may be used to help people recover from alcohol addiction.
- Ozempic is not addictive, but mixing alcohol and Ozempic is not ideal.
- If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, reach out for help today.
Ozempic and alcohol use:
As Ozempic becomes increasingly popular as a weight-loss drug, questions are emerging as to the role it plays in addiction. Does Ozempic increase the likelihood of drug and alcohol use? Does it reduce the craving for substances in the same way that it does for food?
This article will dive into what Ozempic is, how it works as a weight-loss drug, and how it impacts alcohol addiction. It will also discuss whether or not we’ll be using Ozempic for alcohol use disorder in the future. If you’re considering Ozempic for weight loss, or know someone who is taking it, this information might be helpful to you.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name for the generic drug semaglutide, and has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by helping the pancreas produce more insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels.
Recently, Ozempic has been prescribed by physicians off-label to help obese people lose weight easily. It is sold in a syringe and must be injected into the body weekly in order for it to be effective. Research has shown that although it causes significant weight loss, one cannot quit taking the drug or the weight will all be gained back.
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic mimics the natural GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone that is normally produced in the gut. This hormone is known informally as the ‘satiety hormone’ because it notifies the brain and the body that you’re full and no longer need to eat to satisfy your hunger.
People who suffer from type 2 diabetes lack GLP-1 in their blood due to a gut malfunction, so Ozempic helps them by producing synthetic hormones. For people who need to lose weight, Ozempic produces an overload of the GLP-1 hormone, which sends the brain signals that the body is full and causes the person to eat significantly less.
Alcohol use and Ozempic:
In a groundbreaking, randomized clinical trial, participants who received a low dose of semaglutide reported significant reductions in alcohol cravings over a nine week period, relative to those who received a placebo.
The trial was done on 48 random individuals and the findings showed that over time, they reduced their alcohol intake while receiving the semaglutide. However, more research is needed to confirm the results and determine how the drug can be used to help people struggling with alcoholism.
Ozempic and alcohol use disorder:
Ozempic for addiction won’t be the first time a drug will be used to help people struggling with substance use disorder. It may seem counterintuitive, but in some cases of addiction recovery, a person may be prescribed one medication/drug in order to help them recover from addiction to their drug of choice. This approach is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
For example, Methadone and Buprenorphine are both used to help people struggling with opioid addiction, and Bupropion can help people experiencing withdrawal from nicotine. It’s important to note that one should never use this method on their own. MAT should be administered by a doctor or mental health professional only, in a medical setting.
Is Ozempic addictive?
No, Ozempic doesn’t seem to be addictive. However, it’s important to note that because the drug is so new, there are no longer-term studies on Ozempic use and its potential for addiction. At this time, there hasn’t been much evidence of it being addictive, but more data may emerge in the future to prove otherwise.
So for now, Ozempic addiction is not a concern, but it’s smart to stay aware and understand that the current results aren’t final - especially if you have a history of addiction or other mental health issues.
Is it dangerous to mix alcohol and Ozempic?
No, it is not dangerous to drink alcohol while taking Ozempic. The FDA-approved semaglutide drugs do not have any warnings on their labels restricting alcohol intake while using the drug. Although many drugs can cause fatal damage when mixed with alcohol, this is not the case for Ozempic.
Notwithstanding the lack of danger, there are side effects from Ozempic that can be amplified when it’s taken together with alcohol. Side effects of Ozempic include nausea and vomiting, lowered blood sugar levels, and liver issues. Alcohol compounds all of these side effects, even though the two substances do not directly interact.
Alcohol addiction treatment:
Ozempic and addiction do seem to have a fascinating effect on each other. But if you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s crucial to take care of your situation even before more data to emerges as to how the two correlate. At Avenues Recovery, we specialize in assisting people struggling with alcohol addiction.
We have many rehab facilities nationwide equipped with therapists and counselors who have coached countless people to sobriety. At every location, we craft a customized treatment plan that is implemented in our comfortable facilities to give you the best chances for success.
Living with addiction is debilitating. We invite you to reach out today and discover that you can find sobriety, freedom, and serenity when you take the path to recovery.
Join us at our warm, caring, supportive rehabs and reclaim your life!