Key Takeaways

• GLP-1 receptor agonists, including medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Maunjaro and Zepbound), are widely prescribed for diabetes and weight-related conditions.  

• Researchers are now exploring whether these medications may also influence addictive behaviors by affecting reward pathways in the brain.  

• Early findings suggest potential effects on alcohol, opioid, and stimulant use, but the research remains limited and inconclusive.  

• GLP-1 medications are not approved for addiction treatment and should not replace established, evidence-based care. Understanding the emerging science can help individuals have informed, thoughtful conversations with their healthcare providers.  

Why GLP-1s Are Being Studied for Addiction  

Interest in GLP-1 receptor agonists has increased rapidly as these medications become more widely used for diabetes and weight-related conditions. Alongside their metabolic effects, clinicians and researchers have begun observing reported behavioral changes in some individuals, raising new research questions about how these medications interact with the brain.  

Current scientific interest is focused on how GLP-1s may influence systems involved in reward, impulse control, and motivation. Because eating behaviors and addiction share overlapping neurobiological pathways, researchers are exploring whether medications designed for appetite and glucose regulation could also affect other forms of craving or compulsive behavior.  

Key drivers behind GLP-1 and addiction research include:

• Rapid expansion in the use of GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Maunjaro and Zepbound)  

• Reports of changes in cravings, alcohol use, or reward-seeking behaviors beyond weight loss  

• Increased public conversation and clinical curiosity about psychological and behavioral effects  

• Scientific interest in GLP-1 activity within reward pathways and dopamine signaling  

• Recognition that appetite regulation and addiction involve shared neural mechanisms  

This research is still emerging, and findings should be interpreted with caution. This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations.  

What Are GLP-1 Medications?  

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications designed to mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone involved in blood sugar regulation and appetite signaling. They are most commonly prescribed within metabolic care and are not approved as treatments for addiction.  

Common examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists include:

• Semaglutides(Ozempic and Wegovy)  

• Tirzepatide (Maunjaro and Zepbound)  

• Liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda)  

These medications are currently approved for specific medical uses, including:  

• Management of Type 2 diabetes  

• Treatment of certain weight-related medical comorbidities, following clinical guidelines  

From a physiological perspective, GLP-1 medications support metabolic regulation through several coordinated effects:  

• Increasing insulin secretion in response to food intake  

• Slowing gastric emptying, which prolongs feelings of fullness  

• Reducing glucagon release to help stabilize blood glucose levels  

Beyond digestion and metabolism, GLP-1 receptors are also found in brain regions involved in reward, motivation, and decision-making. This gut–brain connection, often called the brain–gut axis, helps explain why medications targeting appetite and digestion may also influence cravings or reward-related behaviors.  

For this reason, researchers are exploring potential behavioral effects of GLP-1 medications, even though this is not their intended or approved use.  

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Why Scientists Are Exploring GLP-1s for Addiction Treatment  

Interest in GLP-1 receptor agonists within addiction research is growing as scientists continue to examine how substance use disorders are shaped by brain reward systems. In particular, researchers are focused on whether medications that influence appetite and metabolic signaling may also affect pathways involved in craving, motivation, and reinforcement.  

Current research attention centers on the mesolimbic dopamine system, which is involved in reward processing and is activated by substances such as alcohol, opioids, and stimulants. Because GLP-1 receptors are present in brain regions connected to this system, researchers are exploring whether GLP-1 medications could indirectly influence addictive behaviors.  

Key areas of scientific investigation include:

• The role of GLP-1 signaling in modulating dopamine release and reward sensitivity  

• Potential effects on motivation, reinforcement, and impulse-driven behavior  

• Overlap between neural pathways involved in appetite regulation and substance use  

Much of the early evidence comes from preclinical animal studies. In controlled laboratory settings, GLP-1 receptor activation has been associated with:  

• Reductions in alcohol intake  

• Decreased opioid-seeking behaviors  

• Lower rates of binge-like consumption patterns  

However, findings from animal models do not always translate directly to human outcomes.  

Human research remains limited and inconclusive. Early clinical trials and observational reports have produced mixed results, including:  

• Some reports of reduced interest in alcohol or other substances  

• No observed behavioral change in other participants  

• Small sample sizes and short study durations  

At this time, there is no conclusive evidence supporting GLP-1 medications as treatments for addiction. This research is novel, evolving, and not sufficient to inform clinical recommendations.  

‍GLP-1s and Alcohol Addiction  

Alcohol use has been one of the most closely examined areas within GLP-1 addiction research, largely due to early observations suggesting possible changes in drinking behavior among some individuals using these medications. While findings remain preliminary, they have prompted further scientific exploration.  

Recent research and observational reports have highlighted:

• Self-reported reductions in alcohol cravings among some individuals taking GLP-1 medications  

• Decreases in alcohol consumption noted in limited human studies  

• Reduced alcohol-seeking behavior observed in animal models  

Researchers have proposed several mechanisms that may help explain these findings, including:  

• Modulation of dopamine signaling within reward-related brain pathways  

• Reduced reinforcement or reward response associated with alcohol intake  

• Altered motivation or craving intensity related to substance use  

It is important to note that existing studies have significant limitations, such as:  

• Small sample sizes and short study durations  

• Reliance on self-reported alcohol use rather than objective measures  

• A lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials  

Key context to keep in mind:  

• GLP-1 medications are not approved for the treatment of alcohol use disorder  

• Reported effects vary widely between individuals  

• Current evidence is insufficient to establish causation or clinical benefit  

Research in this area is ongoing, and no definitive conclusions can be drawn at this time.  

GLP-1s and Other Substance Use Disorders  

Beyond alcohol, researchers are beginning to examine whether GLP-1 receptor agonists may influence other substance use disorders. Areas of emerging interest include opioid, nicotine, and stimulant use, though the evidence base remains very limited.  

Early findings around GLP-1s and addiction preclinical research suggest:

• Reduced drug-seeking behaviors in animal models involving opioids, nicotine, and stimulants  

• Possible changes in reward sensitivity and reinforcement mechanisms  

• Overlap between neural pathways involved in appetite regulation and substance use  

However, translating these findings to human populations has proven challenging. Human-focused research in this area is sparse and often relies on indirect or observational data rather than controlled trials.  

Key limitations of the current research include:  

• Small sample sizes in early or pilot human studies  

• Heavy reliance on animal models that may not reflect real-world substance use  

• Limited duration of studies and inconsistent outcome measures  

• The absence of FDA approval for GLP-1 medications in treating substance use disorders  

Important context to keep in mind:  

• Addiction is influenced by psychological, social, and environmental factors beyond biology  

• Medications alone are not sufficient to address substance use disorders  

• Evidence-based therapies remain the standard of care  

At this time, GLP-1 medications should not be considered treatments for opioid, nicotine, or stimulant use disorders. Ongoing research is needed before any clinical conclusions can be drawn.  

Are GLP-1s Effective for Addiction?  

Based on current evidence, it is too early to conclude that GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective treatments for addiction. While early findings have generated interest, the research remains preliminary and does not support clinical recommendations at this time.  

Some aspects of the research appear promising, while others remain unproven:  

What appears promising so far:  

• Reduced substance-seeking behavior observed in animal models  

• Anecdotal and observational reports of decreased cravings in some individuals  

• Growing scientific interest in shared reward pathways between appetite and addiction  

What remains unproven or unclear:  

• Whether observed effects lead to sustained recovery outcomes  

• How GLP-1s affect the psychological and social dimensions of addiction  

• Whether benefits, if present, are consistent across substances or populations  

Differences in study design also limit interpretation:  

• Animal trials do not reliably predict human outcomes  

• Observational data cannot establish causation  

• Controlled human trials remain small, limited, and inconsistent  

Safety considerations are equally important and must be weighed carefully:  

• Common side effects include nausea, appetite suppression, and gastrointestinal distress  

• Changes in appetite or weight may interact with existing mental health symptoms  

• For individuals with eating disorders, appetite-suppressing effects may pose particular risks  

Given these uncertainties, GLP-1 medications should not replace evidence-based addiction treatments. More rigorous research is needed before any clinical conclusions can be drawn.  

GLP-1s and Eating Disorders: Important Considerations  

GLP-1 receptor agonists present unique clinical complexities for individuals with current or past eating disorders. Because these medications directly affect appetite, weight, and food-related cues, they may interact in unintended ways with eating disorder symptoms and recovery processes.  

Key reasons GLP-1s require heightened caution in eating disorder populations include:

• Appetite suppression that may reinforce restrictive behaviors  

• Rapid or significant weight changes that can increase psychological distress  

• Heightened focus on food intake, body cues, or weight-related outcomes  

• Temporary behavioral changes that may mask symptoms rather than address underlying drivers  

Eating disorders are multifaceted mental health conditions that cannot be effectively treated through appetite or weight changes alone. Without careful oversight, medications that alter hunger and satiety signals may destabilize nutritional status or delay appropriate psychological intervention.  

Important safety and readiness considerations include:  

• Ongoing evaluation of nutritional stability and medical risk  

• Assessment of psychological readiness and vulnerability to relapse  

• Monitoring for increased rigidity, compulsive behaviors, or distress around eating  

• Integration of medication decisions within a broader treatment plan  

At Monte Nido, care is grounded in a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that includes:  

• Medical monitoring to ensure physical safety  

• Individualized nutrition therapy to support nourishment and stability  

• Evidence-based psychotherapy to address emotional, cognitive, and behavioral drivers  

Medication use, when considered, must align with safety, recovery readiness, and long-term healing goals rather than short-term symptom suppression.  

What About Addiction and Eating Disorders Together?  

Eating disorders and substance use disorders frequently co-occur, creating added clinical complexity and increased risk. Substances may be used to manage anxiety, suppress appetite, regulate mood, or cope with distress related to eating disorder symptoms. When both conditions are present, treatment requires a coordinated and integrated approach.  

Key considerations in co-occurring eating disorders and substance use include:

• High rates of overlap between eating disorders and substance use disorders  

• Increased medical, nutritional, and psychological risk when conditions interact  

• Greater vulnerability to relapse if only one condition is addressed  

Effective care treats both conditions simultaneously rather than in isolation. Integrated treatment models focus on stabilizing physical health while addressing emotional regulation, coping skills, and behavioral patterns that drive both disorders.  

Evidence-based therapies commonly used in integrated care include:  

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–Enhanced (CBT-E)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)  

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)  

• Family-Based Treatment (FBT), when appropriate  

These approaches support skill-building, emotional regulation, and long-term relapse prevention across diagnoses.  

Important context for emerging research:  

• GLP-1 research may eventually inform future understanding of overlapping reward pathways  

• Current evidence does not support GLP-1s as a treatment for co-occurring conditions  

• GLP-1 medications are not part of existing evidence-based treatment pathways  

At this time, specialized, integrated care remains the standard for treating co-occurring eating disorders and substance use disorders.  

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Should GLP-1s Be Used for Addiction Treatment Right Now?  

Based on the current body of research, GLP-1 receptor agonists should not be used as treatments for addiction at this time. Evidence remains limited and inconclusive, and these medications are not approved for substance use disorders.  

Current clinical consensus reflects the following:  

• Research findings are preliminary and insufficient to guide treatment decisions  

• No regulatory approval exists for using GLP-1s in addiction treatment  

• Early signals do not outweigh the lack of long-term outcome data  

Instead, clinicians continue to recommend established, evidence-based approaches, including:  

• Behavioral therapies tailored to substance use disorders  

• Medication-assisted treatment when medically indicated  

• Comprehensive psychosocial support and relapse-prevention planning  

Comprehensive assessment remains a cornerstone of safe and effective care. Clinical decision-making should account for:  

• Medical history and current physical health  

• Mental health diagnoses and symptom severity  

• Substance use patterns and environmental risk factors  

Heightened caution is especially important for individuals with eating disorders or suspected eating disorders. In these populations, GLP-1 medications may:  

• Suppress appetite in ways that destabilize recovery  

• Mask symptoms without addressing underlying drivers  

• Increase psychological distress related to food, weight, or control  

Any consideration of GLP-1 use should involve careful medical oversight, psychological evaluation, and ongoing monitoring. At present, evidence-based addiction treatments remain the standard of care.  

Evidence-Based Treatments for Addiction and Co-Occurring Eating Disorders  

Treating substance use disorders alongside eating disorders requires an integrated, whole-person model of care. Because these conditions interact medically, psychologically, and behaviorally, effective treatment must address more than symptoms alone.  

At Monte Nido, care is built on coordinated support across disciplines, ensuring safety while promoting long-term recovery. Programs are grounded in research-informed practices and tailored to meet the needs of individuals with co-occurring conditions.  

Core elements of effective, integrated treatment include:  

• Medical oversight to monitor physical health, medication effects, and safety  

• Nutritional rehabilitation to support stability, nourishment, and recovery from disordered eating patterns  

• Evidence-based psychotherapy to address emotional regulation, coping skills, and underlying drivers  

Skills-based and relapse-prevention-focused therapies play a central role, including:  

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support emotion regulation and distress tolerance  

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–Enhanced (CBT-E) to address eating disorder behaviors and beliefs  

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to build psychological flexibility and values-based action  

Family involvement is especially important for adolescents and may include:  

• Family-Based Treatment (FBT) approaches  

• Education and support to strengthen recovery environments  

Across all levels of care, treatment emphasizes:  

• Individualized planning based on comprehensive assessment  

• Compassionate, inclusive, and recovery-oriented support  

• Attention to the whole person rather than isolated diagnoses  

Monte Nido’s approach integrates clinical expertise and ongoing research to support safe, sustainable recovery for individuals with co-occurring addiction and eating disorders.  

GLP-1s and Addiction FAQs  

Are GLP-1 medications approved to treat addiction?  

No. GLP-1 receptor agonists are approved for conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and certain weight-related indications, not for addiction treatment. Research on substance use outcomes is still emerging, and these medications should not be viewed as a substitute for established addiction care.  

Can GLP-1s reduce cravings for alcohol or other substances?  

Some early findings and patient reports suggest possible reductions in cravings or use for certain substances, especially alcohol, but results are mixed. Much of the current evidence comes from animal studies, observational data, or small human studies. That means we do not yet know who may respond, what dose or duration would matter, or whether any changes are sustained over time.  

Are GLP-1s safe for people with eating disorders?  

Caution is warranted. Appetite suppression, gastrointestinal side effects, and rapid weight changes can be clinically destabilizing for individuals with current or past eating disorders. If a GLP-1 is being considered, it should involve thorough screening, clear medical rationale, and close monitoring of nutrition, mood, and eating disorder symptoms.  

Could GLP-1s become part of addiction treatment in the future?  

Possibly, but more rigorous clinical trials are needed before GLP-1s could be recommended as an addiction intervention. Future research will need to clarify effectiveness, safety, and how medications might fit alongside therapy and recovery supports.  

What should I do if I’m considering GLP-1s and have a history of disordered eating?  

Talk with your prescribing provider and request an eating disorder-informed assessment. If you have active symptoms or a history of restriction, bingeing, purging, or compulsive exercise, involve a treatment team who can support medical safety, psychological monitoring and nutritional stability.  

Understanding Emerging Research and Choosing Safe, Evidence-Based Care  

Emerging research on GLP-1 medications highlights the importance of curiosity balanced with caution. While early findings raise interesting questions, GLP-1s are not a replacement for evidence-based addiction treatment or eating disorder care. Individualized assessment, clinical oversight, and comprehensive support remain essential.  

For those navigating addiction, eating disorders, or both, choosing treatment grounded in established science offers the strongest foundation for recovery. Monte Nido provides integrated, evidence-based care designed to address the full complexity of these conditions and can help individuals and families explore safe, appropriate treatment options.  

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