In 2023, 48.5 million people ages 12 or older in the U.S. contended with a substance use disorder or disorders. For almost 29 million, it was alcohol use disorder (AUD), and around 27 million abused drugs.
Unfortunately, fewer than 10% of people who need treatment for AUD get it, and only 2% access Food and Drug Administration-approved medications.
And when it comes to treatment for drug abuse, the stats aren't any better.
I'm always looking for ways to help anyone working to overcome an addiction, so I’m happy to report there's another new tool that may help.
Diabetes and weight-loss GLP-1 medications — such as low-dose semaglutide and tirzepatide — might be a useful addition to 12-step programs, counseling, and taking medications such as antabuse and naltrexone for AUD, and buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone for opioid use disorders.
A study in the Journal of the Endocrine Society explains that the pathways in the brain that lead to overeating and food addiction are shared by addiction to alcohol and drugs, and because GLP-1s block activity in those brain areas to help people control diabetes and lose weight, they also seem to help reduce the impulsiveness and cravings that contribute to abuse of alcohol and drugs.
If you're contending with AUD or drug addiction and want to reclaim your health, talk to your doctor about taking semaglutide or tirzepatide (the better choice, in my opinion) and other approved medications, reach out to a 12-step program, and check out the resources at FindTreatment.gov.