In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner explores a rapidly emerging question: could medications like Ozempic and Wegovy do more than support weight loss—and actually reduce cravings for alcohol and other substances?

The conversation is sparked by Oprah Winfrey’s recent reflection that after starting a GLP-1 medication, she lost her desire to drink alcohol—without trying.

Drawing on the latest research, Dr. Glasner breaks down how GLP-1 medications work in the brain, particularly their effects on dopamine and the brain’s reward system, and why this may lead to reduced cravings not just for food, but for alcohol, nicotine, and other substances.

You can watch the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here:

She also reviews findings from large-scale studies involving tens of thousands of individuals, showing significantly lower rates of alcohol use disorder and relapse among people taking medications like semaglutide, along with emerging evidence across other substances.

Beyond the science, this episode explores a deeper shift in how we understand addiction—from a model centered on willpower and choice to one rooted in brain biology. As widely used medications begin to impact craving itself, they may not only change treatment approaches, but also reduce the stigma that prevents many people from seeking help.

Finally, Dr. Glasner discusses who might benefit from these medications, important limitations of the current research, and why GLP-1s should be viewed as a potential tool—not a cure—within a broader, evidence-based approach to addiction care.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol or substance use, this episode offers a clear, grounded, and clinically informed perspective on where this field is headed.

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Have a question about today’s episode? Or a topic you’d like me to cover in a future episode?

Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com

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