GLP-1s kill cravings?

S

Sunny_Cookie390

Well-known member
Hey everyone,

So, I've been thinking about trying GLP-1 meds for weight management for a while now. I consider myself a functioning alcoholic, easily crushing a six-pack of IPAs in an evening. However, I've stumbled upon some interesting info suggesting these meds might also curb cravings for alcohol and even cigarettes.

Here’s the lowdown:

* GLP-1 receptors aren't just in your stomach; they're also in the brain's reward system (nucleus accumbens).
* They may lessen dopamine spikes connected to addictive behaviors.
* Some studies point to decreased alcohol consumption and fewer binge-drinking episodes among people taking GLP-1 meds.
* There's initial evidence that they might reduce nicotine cravings, too.
* Researchers are investigating GLP-1 agonists as possible treatments for alcohol dependency.

It's not approved for addiction treatment officially yet. The connection between appetite and reward pathways is intriguing, though.

Has anyone here experienced reduced cravings for alcohol or tobacco while on GLP-1s? I'm eager to hear your experiences.
 
Absolutely. It dials down the desire for many things: sugary treats, greasy foods, processed snacks, booze… even soda for me, which I was definitely hooked on.
 
Tons of stuff on this topic if you do a little searching! Also, there is a dryzempic subreddit. Results vary, but it can be a game-changer! Combine with other support; AA isn't the only option.
 
Just type “alcohol” in the search bar. Lots of reports and experiences to read.

Most people report a noticeable decrease in their desire to drink, but there are no guarantees. A few folks push through and still drink regularly.
 
Yup. If you're struggling to quit and have tried other methods without success, it's worth exploring (if you can afford it). It's like a mental reset, and you may not even miss it. But, on 2.5mg during month three (so not a full dose), the alcohol cravings have made a small comeback, not daily but a couple of times a week. I can only manage 2-3 drinks max, and if I do, I feel pretty awful, sleep poorly, and don't repeat it for a while. I used to drink 6-8 drinks every night for two decades. Try the good non-alcoholic beers that are out there now!

The addiction will likely still be there if you stop the medication. But don't let that stop you from trying!
 
💯 %.

Done with alcohol after many years of abuse.

Coffee? ☕️ I have zero desire for it.

Sitting in front of a slot machine? 🎰 Absolutely zero desire to gamble.

Sex addiction? Gone. I only mention this in the hopes that it could help even one person. 🧍

Addiction and GLPs, especially Mounjaro and Zepbound, should be further researched and considered.

I'm not sure that alcohol and tobacco companies will be thrilled about this.
 
On 2.5, my favorite bourbon tasted… off. And I couldn’t get a buzz.

Wine, on the other hand, still tastes almost the same. I’ve managed to cut out nightly bourbon, but I still have wine. It’s definitely cut back on my alcohol consumption. I haven’t gotten properly drunk or even tipsy since starting eight weeks ago, but I do still enjoy my 5PM wine. I’ve had white wine at 5PM for decades, so it’s a hard habit to break.
 
I guess it probably affects everyone differently, going by the answers already posted.

I'm from Sweden. We use "snus" a lot in Nordic countries. It's basically nicotine pouches you put under your lip, like those ZYN pouches becoming popular in the US. Snus usually has tobacco in it. Honestly, I haven't noticed any reduced cravings for that or alcohol. Alcohol hasn't really been much of an issue for me, but I do crave a beer occasionally with a good steak dinner!

I’ve kinda felt that my snus cravings have gotten worse, but I'm sure that's because I've completely stopped snacking and eating junk food, and it's not actually related to the medication!
 
Yeah. I used to drink a lot. I've maybe had two or three drinks in the last year. I also used to smoke weed every day. I haven't been to the dispensary since May. So, it's been about five months without a joint.

The urge just isn't there anymore.
 
I saw an article the other day talking about how GLP-1 medications might have a broader impact on addiction than we initially thought. It mentioned a study of over half a million people and found that these drugs could potentially help with all sorts of substance dependencies. Pretty wild! Worth looking into.
 
Interesting.
Yuki1997 said:
I saw an article the other day talking about how GLP-1 medications might have a broader impact on addiction than we initially thought. It mentioned a study of over half a million people and found that these drugs could potentially help with all sorts of substance dependencies.
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A patient mentioned to me that soon after they started on Mounjaro, after over a decade of seriously trying, they finally lost interest in cigarettes. Didn’t use any patches or other aids, the desire simply vanished.
 
I think it is important to remember that these meds can be hard emotionally.
Sunny_Cookie390 said:
Addiction and GLPs especially Mounjaro and Zepbound should be considered and researched.
Click to expand...
It's so easy to miss emotionally eating, at least for me, and now I can't! It's a real process.
 
hydration varies. early on i'd load 8 bottles for the day. now i just say yes when someone offers a drink at work. weigh at night and if i'm down i'll have a bottle or two and eat something. yesterday was half a pound lighter so bacon and water.
 
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