RE 592: GLP-1's and Addiction

Today we have Lauren. She is 39 years old from Chicago, IL and took her last drink on November 22nd, 2019.   This episode is brought to you by:   Sign up and get 10% off: Better Help   Bozeman 2026 – August 12th-16th, 2026   Stay tuned here for some upcoming travel opportunities in 2027-2028   If you're wondering what you can expect in your first seven days alcohol free, check out our FREE 7-day guide.   [02:58] Thoughts from Paul:   This week, Paul talks about GLP-1s and the growing evidence that these medications can help with cravings for opioids, cigarettes and alcohol in addition to their effectiveness' in assisting with weight loss and diabetes.     The research is in the initial phases, but there have been studies showing that GLP-1s can lower alcohol cravings. Researchers found that GLP-1 plus therapy can reduce heavy drinking. And a clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry found that GLP-1s significantly reduced weekly alcohol cravings compared to placebo.   This may not be the magical cure for alcoholism that we've been looking for, but it could give the jump start we may need. Since the drinking problem is more like the canary in the mine saying something in your life is out of balance, a GLP-1 will not fix that.   We've always said at RE that there is no one-size-fits-all path to sobriety. For some people it's AA. For some it's therapy. For some it's community, nature, spirituality, movement. Maybe for some people, the path starts with a GLP-1.   <