Substance Use Disorders
18 articles on Substance Use Disorders, researched and written by the Shotlee Editorial Team from primary sources.
Fat Jabs Slash Alcohol-Related Hospitalisations by More Than a Quarter
Recent analysis indicates that GLP-1 weight loss medications significantly reduce the risk of alcohol-related hospital admissions by approximately 26 percent compared to other diabetes treatments.
8 min read
Oral GLP-1 Drugs May Quiet the Brain's Food Craving Circuit
New research suggests that oral GLP-1 medications, including those used for weight loss and diabetes, might work by influencing the brain's reward pathways, potentially reducing cravings for enjoyable foods and offering insights into treating substance use disorders.
8 min read
GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Linked to Lower Risks of Addiction and Overdose
Explore the groundbreaking research linking GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, to a reduced risk of substance use disorders and fewer addiction-related emergencies.
8 min read
Beyond Hunger: GLP-1s Reveal New Insights into Compulsive Behaviors
Originally developed for diabetes, GLP-1 medications are now revealing profound insights into the neurobiology of desire, reward, and compulsion, impacting everything from food cravings to addictive tendencies.
8 min read
Beyond Weight Loss: Do GLP-1 Drugs Impact Mental Health?
New research is exploring the surprising potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists, known for their role in diabetes and weight management, to also influence mental well-being. This article delves into the latest findings and what they mean for patients.
7 min read
Could GLP-1 Medications Cause Anhedonia? Understanding the 'Ozempic Personality' Phenomenon
Is your GLP-1 medication affecting your mood? Discover the science behind anhedonia, the 'Ozempic personality' phenomenon, and what experts say about dopamine and metabolic health.
3 min read
Ozempic Cuts Depression, Anxiety, and Addiction Risk: Study
A groundbreaking study reveals that Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications like semaglutide significantly lower risks of depression, anxiety, addiction, and even suicidal behavior. Analyzing nearly 100,000 people, researchers found up to 47% reductions in related hospital visits and work absences. This could transform treatment for those with overlapping metabolic and mental health issues.
5 min read
Ozempic Turned Happy Drunk to Sad One with Horrendous Hangovers
Trey Luker-Stewart lost 60 pounds on Ozempic, but it transformed his drinking from fun nights to anxious, emotional ones with brutal hangovers. As a Dallas bar owner, he's seen a 35% drop in alcohol sales linked to GLP-1 drugs. Doctors reveal why these medications blunt alcohol's rewards and worsen next-day effects.
5 min read
GLP-1s Reduce Substance Addiction Risk in US Veterans: BMJ Study
An observational study in the British Medical Journal reveals GLP-1 medications like semaglutide significantly lower substance use disorder (SUD) risk in US veterans with type 2 diabetes. Compared to SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1s reduced new addiction risks by up to 25% and improved outcomes like 50% fewer substance-related deaths. These findings challenge traditional views on addiction and metabolic health.
5 min read
Study: GLP-1s Reduce Addiction Risks Beyond Weight Loss
A groundbreaking study in the British Medical Journal reveals that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic offer benefits far beyond weight loss and diabetes control—they significantly reduce risks of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine abuse. Among 606,434 US veterans with type 2 diabetes, these medications lowered substance abuse risks by up to 20%. Experts caution that while promising, more research is needed.
5 min read
Study: GLP-1 Drugs May Fight Addiction Across Major Substances
Patients on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic report losing interest in cigarettes, alcohol, and more without effort. A physician-led study of over 600,000 VA patients reveals these medications cut addiction-related deaths by 50% and prevent new substance use disorders. This could transform treatment for alcohol, opioids, cocaine, cannabis, and nicotine.
5 min read
Ozempic May Lower Addiction Risk, New BMJ Study Shows
A groundbreaking BMJ study reveals GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may reduce the risk of developing substance use disorders by 14% in diabetes patients. Among those with existing addictions, hospital admissions dropped 26%. While promising, these are associations from veteran health records—randomized trials are needed for proof.
5 min read
GLP-1s Curb Cravings Beyond Food: 600K Study Suggests
Patients on GLP-1 drugs report losing cravings not just for food, but for cigarettes, alcohol, and more—without effort. A new study of over 600,000 people confirms dramatic reductions in overdoses, deaths, and new addictions. Could semaglutide and tirzepatide redefine addiction care?
5 min read
How GLP-1s Helped a Rhode Island Mom Get Sober After Alcoholism
A Rhode Island mother battled alcoholism for years, losing custody of her son—until GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy changed everything. In a pilot program at Open Doors transitional home, Gina Roberts stopped her cravings, got sober for two years, and rebuilt her life. Addiction specialists share why these weight-loss meds show promise for addiction recovery.
5 min read
Study Finds Tirzepatide Cuts Alcohol Intake by More Than Half in Rodents
For the first time, researchers have demonstrated that tirzepatide—the key ingredient in Mounjaro—slashes voluntary alcohol consumption by more than half in rodents while curbing relapse-like drinking. Published in eBioMedicine, this University of Gothenburg study highlights effects on the brain's reward system, including dopamine modulation in the lateral septum. These findings build on prior semaglutide research and suggest potential for alcohol use disorder therapies.
6 min read
Types of Weight Loss Medications: Comparing Key Options
Weight loss medications are gaining attention for treating obesity and overweight, with eight approved types working in unique ways. From GLP-1 receptor agonists mimicking fullness hormones to stimulants like Qsymia reducing appetite, find out which might work best for your goals. This guide compares options, costs, and eligibility criteria to help you choose wisely.
6 min read
Brain Scientists Aim to Develop Weight-Loss Medications Without Nausea
Scientists are striving to develop weight-loss drugs that don't cause nausea, a common side effect of medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. Research is focused on targeting specific brain regions to suppress appetite effectively without triggering nausea or other adverse effects.
4 min read
GLP-1 Drugs: New Hope for Weight Loss and Addiction Treatment?
Emerging research suggests that GLP-1 drugs, originally developed for diabetes and weight loss, may also be effective in treating alcohol and drug addiction. This blog explores the science and potential of these groundbreaking treatments.
4 min read