Ever had one of those nights where you swear you will never drink again, only to find yourself at happy hour the next day?
Yeah, we have all been there.
What if a simple medication could actually make you not want that next drink, or even that cigarette?
GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound, originally designed for diabetes and weight loss, might be the secret weapon against cravings, including alcohol and nicotine.
My Personal Experience with Alcohol
I was raised in an home where not only was beer, wine and liquor readily available, but encouraged to partake daily. I have always personally struggled with having just one drink. I never understood the purpose of just one glass of wine. It was never the taste for me, it was the buzz. After being on Mounjaro and Zepbound for 18 months, my DESIRE, my want, my need to have a glass of wine seemed to vanish into thin air. Much like that food noise that disappeared. It felt like it was overnight. Certainly within the first month, the desire to have alcohol virtually disappeared. The benefit was a great reduction in drinking my calories, which was a jump start to my weight loss. The downside socially is I just was no longer interested in participating in the local happy hour, or the fire pit wine time. What I did turn into was the designated driver, because I wanted to participate, yet no longer needed to partake.
What the Heck Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are meds that help regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and keep you feeling full longer. That is why they have become a game changer for weight loss. What is really interesting is they also seem to mess with your brain’s reward system, making that once irresistible glass of wine (or sneaky cigarette break) suddenly not so appealing.
Bye-Bye, Beer Goggles: How GLP-1s Affect Alcohol Cravings
If you’ve ever been the “one more drink” person, GLP-1s might have you rethinking your ways. These medications appear to reduce the dopamine rush that alcohol usually provides, meaning that third margarita might not seem so tempting after all.
Animal studies have backed this up, and real people taking these meds are reporting a surprising side effect: they just don’t want to drink as much. Some even say they can stop after one drink (what is this sorcery?!). While scientists are still researching exactly how this works, it is becoming more clear that GLP-1s are changing the game for those who struggle with alcohol cravings.
Should You Drink While Taking a GLP-1?
Moderate drinking is generally fine for many people while taking a GLP-1 medication, but it’s best to start slow and see how your body reacts. If you find that alcohol affects you differently or causes unpleasant side effects, it may be worth reducing or avoiding it. Drinking alcohol while taking a GLP-1 medication like Mounjaro or Zepbound can have a few notable effects, both expected and unexpected. With any medication, always consult your doctor to determine what, if any, interactions may be acceptable for you.
1. Increased Sensitivity to Alcohol
Many people on GLP-1 medications report that they feel intoxicated much more quickly than before. This could be due to slower gastric emptying, meaning alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream more gradually but with a more pronounced effect. People have reported the hangovers after even a limited amount tend to be significantly worse. My cure for the dreaded hangover is always my favorite Liquid IV Electrolytes!
2. Risk of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
If you have diabetes and are on other glucose-lowering medications, drinking alcohol while on a GLP-1 could increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Alcohol can interfere with the liver’s ability to release stored glucose, which, combined with the blood sugar-lowering effects of GLP-1s, may lead to dangerously low levels.
3. Gastrointestinal Side Effects
GLP-1s already slow digestion and can cause nausea, so adding alcohol to the mix might worsen symptoms like nausea, bloating, and vomiting. Some people find that even a small amount of alcohol makes them feel unwell while on these medications. If this happens to you, remember to stay the course with proper hydration and electrolytes!
4. Potential Liver Effects
Since GLP-1 medications and alcohol both impact liver function, excessive drinking could put extra strain on the liver. While occasional drinking is unlikely to be harmful, heavy alcohol consumption is not recommended.
Smoking? Meh. How GLP-1s Could Help Kick Nicotine, Too
It’s not just booze, nicotine cravings might also take a hit with these meds. Since smoking is another dopamine driven addiction, the idea is that GLP-1s could reduce that compulsive urge to light up. Though the research here is still in early stages, many. people on Mounjaro or Zepbound are reporting that their usual cigarette cravings are fizzling out.
If you’ve ever tried quitting smoking, you know how brutal the cravings can be. Imagine if your brain just… didn’t care? That’s what some users are experiencing, and it could be a huge breakthrough in helping people ditch the habit for good.
The Future of GLP-1s in Addiction Treatment
While GLP-1 medications were not designed to be anti-addiction drugs, they sure are acting like it. There are currently several studies underway, so we might see these meds becoming a legit tool for cutting back on drinking and smoking, not just losing weight.
If you’re struggling with addiction, it’s always best to seek professional help. If you’re already on Mounjaro or Zepbound and noticing that your usual vices are losing their appeal, YOU ARE NOT ALONE and science is starting to explain why.
Have You Noticed a Change?
Are you on a GLP-1 medication and suddenly feeling meh about alcohol or cigarettes? Share your experience in the comments below! Who knows, you might help someone else make a life-changing discovery.
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