GLP-1 medications have become household names in recent years because of their powerful effect on weight loss and diabetes management. As more people have used these medications, researchers and patients alike have noticed something unexpected: fewer cravings—including a reduced desire to drink alcohol.
With about 400 million people worldwide living with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) and very few treatment options available, the potential benefits of GLP-1 beyond weight loss and metabolic health could have far-reaching effects. While more research needs to be done, early studies suggest interesting implications for the future of AUD treatment and breaking free from cravings.
The link between GLP-1 and the brain’s reward system
The metabolic effects of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are well known at this point—weight loss, blood sugar regulation, satiety, slowed digestion—but what about how they affect your brain?
GLP-1 medications work by imitating the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, which is released in the gut after you eat. It also sends signals to the nervous system, including areas of the brain associated with reward, motivation, and addiction—the same regions activated by alcohol and high-calorie, ultra-processed foods.
This may manifest in a few different ways:
- You may feel full more quickly, and for longer
- Reduced pleasurable response to cravings, making overly sweet or salty foods—or alcohol—feel less tempting
- Lowered impulsivity or reward-driven behavior, helping disrupt patterns of emotional eating or binge drinking
In other words, you might not crave that drink—or feel the same satisfaction from drinking it—while taking a GLP-1 medication.
What the research says
Trials for exploring GLP-1 as a potential treatment for AUD are ongoing, but early studies have shown promising results. For example, a randomized, double-blind clinical trial showed that over 9 weeks of treatment, semaglutide led to reductions in:
- Alcohol cravings
- Average number of drinks on drinking days
- Heavy drinking days (binge drinking)
Larger studies are in the works to further explore the impact GLP-1 medications have on cravings and alcohol dependencies.
Why this matters
Overcoming addictions and cravings can feel like an insurmountable mountain to climb, with limited treatment options available to help. GLP-1 treatment may offer a new option for people struggling with alcohol dependency—and they won’t have to rely on willpower to succeed.
Cautions and other considerations
While GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Monjouro® have been approved by the FDA for obesity and diabetes treatment, no GLP-1 medication has been approved for treating AUD. Early studies are promising but not conclusive, and more research is needed to measure the effects of GLP-1 on managing any kind of craving or addiction.
In addition, GLP-1s can have side effects that some are not able to tolerate, and it’s unclear how alcohol use will affect or interfere with treatment goals.
Conclusion
It’s an exciting time for those using GLP-1 medications for weight loss and diabetes treatment—and some are seeing an impact on their habits and cravings, too. The GLP-1 market is ever-changing, so talk to your provider before making any changes to your diet, medications, or how you manage your cravings or addictions.
To connect with a licensed provider and see if GLP-1s are right for you, visit our website.
*This content is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
