The Impact of GLP-1 Medications on Addiction Recovery
In late 2016, Steven Klein came to a pivotal realization: he had lost control over his consumption of alcohol and stimulants. Seeking a change, he embraced sobriety that December, finding solace in 12-step meetings. However, another struggle loomed aheadāovereating, which he recognized as yet another form of addiction. The stress from the pandemic exacerbated his challenges, leading him to gain over 40 pounds during his demanding medical residency.
In 2022, Dr. Klein made a significant decision to try Mounjaro, a medication from a groundbreaking class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which also includes well-known drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, both recognized for their effectiveness in managing obesity and diabetes. During a seemingly ordinary momentāenjoying a roast beef sandwich from Jimmy JohnāsāDr. Klein noticed something remarkable. Typically, he would consume his meal in a hurry, but on this occasion, he found himself satisfied after eating just half of the sandwich and a few chips. āIt felt as if my body instinctively knew when to stop eating,ā he recalled.
Currently, Dr. Klein serves as an addiction medicine fellow at the Caron Treatment Centers, a nonprofit residential treatment facility in Pennsylvania. He prescribes GLP-1 medications to his patients who are in recovery, addressing issues related to obesity and diabetes. In his experience, these patients have reported significant reductions in unhealthy cravings, whether for drugs or food. Early unpublished research from a small group of individuals at Caron (before Dr. Klein joined the team) indicated that those taking GLP-1 medications did not experience the increase in cravings typically expected during stressful times, a response that was notably observed in those given a placebo.
But could these medications, collectively referred to as GLP-1 receptor agonists, hold the key to combating some of Americaās most pressing drug problems?
Recent compelling data suggests they indeed might. On Thursday, the journal Addiction published an insightful study that analyzed the medical records of over half a million individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder. The findings revealed that those taking GLP-1 medications for any reason had a remarkable 40 percent lower risk of overdose compared to those not on these medications. Furthermore, the study examined the medical records of more than 800,000 individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder, uncovering that the instances of medical visits indicating current alcohol intoxication were cut in half among patients prescribed GLP-1 drugs versus those who did not receive these medications.
In September, another large-scale study focusing on individuals with both opioid use disorder and Type 2 diabetes reported even more encouraging findings: patients taking semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic or Wegovy) experienced a 40 to 70 percent reduction in the risk of hospitalization due to overdose compared to those using older diabetes medications, which included less effective GLP-1 alternatives.