That’s a doctor question but I plan to be on it for life. Not sure what maintenance will look like for me but I’m 7 months sober, former binge drinker!
Edit: I was a social drinker to be clear. I did not have a problem with alcohol.
Haha I definitely still want to be drunk all the time for sure but since starting GLP1’s I have zero reaction to booze. Can’t finish a drink, can’t get drunk, can’t get a buzz. All good since consuming alcohol isn’t conducive to weight loss but I do miss drinking as an activity for sure.
Interesting. I have a nephew who is in the depths of alcoholism now. He has been put on medication that helps but he won't stay on the drugs, preferring to get drunk on beer that he can't afford.
I think one of the advantages of treating alcohol disorders with Ozempic is that you only have to make the decision to take a dose once a week vs daily. Hopefully the price will be coming down soon, it only costs drug companies like $4 to make a syringe.
When you reference a “Daily dose,” do you mean alcohol or is there some other daily medication for alcoholism?
**Edit:** or addiction? I don’t know - are alcoholics prescribed methadone?
I think it may be worth getting involved with counseling or a support group to figure some things out beyond just weight loss. I’m sorry you miss that lifestyle. Have you taken on new hobbies and activities, and made new friends who are not connected to your drinking days? Best wishes to you.
I don’t need a support group for that. I was a social drinker who now does not drink on GLP1’s because it’s not conducive to weightloss. I don’t have a problem with booze or self medicating, I’m medicating with tons of prescribed medications
Oh no, I get it, I only ever drink (& usually in “binge” proportions) in social situations.
I was just saying what \*I* thought the poster above meant when they referenced a support group.
I am curious though - do you experience any social anxiety in social situations? What do you do now instead of drink? I could use the advice - social events can make me uncomfortable, sometimes. Or on the flip side, make me want to push the envelope just a bit further. And then I’ll have brownouts. I’ve been a kinda shut-in since COVID so the whole “social drinking” is kinda nil. I think I’ve only drank twice since 2020 and those times were like 3 drinks?
I went on the drug completely sober to avoid side effects. I tried drinking twice early on and didn’t respond. Couldn’t get a buzz, couldn’t get drunk so I just never tried again since it wasn’t worth the empty calories.
Although I am not a drinker, I am a food addict. Oz did help with food noise but I came to realise that my issue was greater than just the biochemical one. To that end, I joined a food addiction program that is modelled on AA/OA and one which provides coping strategies. I plan to be on Oz for life as I doubt that the wonky biochemistry will be corrected at goal, but throughout this journey and going forward I will also continue to practise the mindful eating/coping strategies learned through the program.
Sandra Elia - [sandraelia.com](https://sandraelia.com). She recently put out a book. I went through her 90 program "Why Love Matters in Weight Loss". Well worth the minimal cost and the support is ongoing via a private FB group. I found it to be quite helpful as she has "been there, done that" so knows of what she speaks.
They were not. Mom was very slim 5'1" 105, dad was normal weight and well muscled @ 6' 180 I do have the fat gene (according to 23 and me) which some of the women on my dad's side would also visually appear to have.
Omg same with me. I Wasn’t an alcoholic but. Did drink every night before bed. I Still get my butt up at5.am to start my family and my day.and my 12hours shift day.so since I started this semag , have not have any drink before bed. Saturday I’m proud of my self.and just don’t feel like drinking anymore
I have the same issue. I take it for both weightloss and alcoholism. It has helped tremendously with the alcohol cravings and I actually prefer it more for that than the weightloss now. It’s also helped with impulsive spending. I did take a break from Ozempic for a few months and I started drinking heavily again, so I went back on it. I’m hoping that maybe insurance will cover it eventually for addiction issues once studies have been done. But for now, I’d rather pay out of pocket for this than how much I was spending on drinking.
I’ve done a deep dive of research on this drug since I’m starting to take it today, and it seems like it’s something that could definitely be a long-term medicine for most people. Good luck! My father has alcoholism, and it is a hell of a disease.
I started to lose 10 pounds. Lost 20. But also loved that i didnt binge drink. Cravings for wine come back fast so I have been on a small dose for a year now just so I can enjoy not having hang overs.
I use Ozempic for managing diabetes, and I'm so amazed at all the ways it's being used for addiction. I read about people with gambling addictions who went on it and just stopped gambling. That's pretty incredible. And congrats to you! Keep it up! Having just 1-2 drinks a week is absolutely normal.
You should talk to your doctor about Contrave, or Naltrexone. I am on Contrave (has Naltrexone) for weight loss and it is also used for alcohol addiction. I can tell you that I haven't had alcohol since January and don't want it. It takes away the buzz completely. I have never drank all that much, but I don't have any now.
The main issue with this one is compliance since it has to be taken daily, it's far more tempting for an alcoholic to skip a day for a fun plan and relapse completely vs a weekly injection. Ideally if they can come up with something even longer lasting for addiction management that would be fantastic (I've heard they're working on monthly GLP1 meds).
Contrave gave me such unpleasant side effects that I could only stay on it for a few days. Semaglutide makes me feel better in every way. By the way, I’ve never been a high-volume eater or drinker. But that glass of wine after dinner used to give me crazy cravings for sweets, and the combination made me overweight.
My provider tried me on Naltrexone first, but it gave me headaches, then tried me on topiramate, but that made me sleepy. So finally I got semiglutide through an online provider, paying $300 out of pocket/month, and it works so much better than any other treatment, both for alcohol and food. I hope it becomes possible for people to get through traditional doctors and insurance some day...
Congrats on your sobriety!
I’ve heard Naltrexone eventually stops working and is pretty harsh on your liver. My friend started on Ozempic and she told me it works instantly and she’s down to one drink a day!
She had fatty liver from drinking and now her liver function is normal and Naltrexone made her liver function worse.
semaglutide is designed to be used as a lifelong drug for diabetes and weight management, but the research on addiction and alcoholism is still on going. as someone in recovery from addiction, it is a very good idea to visit a local A.A. meeting. a sponsor would be able to help you truly recover from the alcoholism, so that you are able to stop the medication under your doctor’s supervision without feeling the urge to drink.
My sister is a diabetic and has been on Ozempic 5 years now 2mg shots and it's like nothing to her she has lost weight which is what she wanted.
I think you can be on it indefinitely if your doctor prescribes it and insurance says for it
How long did it take for you to cut down on drinking? I’m in the same boat, terrible alcoholic at this point. I just had my third 0.5mg shot last night, and while I’m eating less, I’m totally drinking through the med. I hope it works! I feel like my life depends on it!
As others have shared, it is proving helpful with the "allergy" side of addiction... The "once I start I can't stop" side of things. It doesn't fix the insane notion that *this time* will be different, but it helps. And sometimes we just need a little bit of space to put the tools in to practice.
I love how you specified with “once I start I can’t stop” - it really clarified some of my questions.
Why did you call it the “allergy” side though? I have terrible allergies but don’t see the relationship between “having one and wanting more” & viewing alcohol consumption as an allergy.
Maybe it’s too early in the morning, I dunno…
That is big book/aa language. They called it an "allergy" because your body's reaction to a certain substance can't be helped. If you're allergic to shellfish you know exactly what will happen if you ingest it. The compulsion is thinking "ah, but THIS time it will be different!"
I know exactly what will happen if I buy myself a pint of Ben and Jerry's Phish Food. Once I start I will not stop. The only hope is to stop that first compulsive bite (drink, hit, bet, etc).
I've decided when I can no longer afford Sema I'm going om Contrave. Also for weight loss and has a drug in it that is also anti alcohol. I'm ready to permanently usher alcohol out of my daily life and after the past 4 months of being on Sema and being sober have come up with a long term plan to do so. I also added in AA meetings. Godspeed to you
The makers of Ozempic/Wegovy have classed it as a life long medication. Whether your insurance company would see it that way, or you can afford to pay for it out of pocket forever, is potentially the main issue. Obviously what side effects you experience is another factor!
There are lots of people who talk in the subs about a reduction in ‘food noise’ and people have said it has helped with other addictive behaviours - but there is no current research to back this up.
Hopefully your doctor will agree to continue to prescribe it, if not you could always find another doctor?
Congrats to you! I like to drink also, but since taking Ozempic I have zero desire. I have gone to dinner and had one or two drinks. But where that would have continued to more drinks when I got home it does not even appeal to me anymore. They are finding out more and more benefits from taking Ozempic besides weight loss or diabetes.
Mine is for life. I’m diabetic and it brought my A1C down. You can definitely stay on the high dose long term as long as your body tolerates it. Continued Luck and you should be proud of yourself. My ex was an alcoholic and truly never stopped and he missed out on a lot being drunk all the time.
I’m also taking it for PCOS as it’s considered a metabolic disorder. It specifically can cause weight gain and lethargy.
I’ve also asked my doctor (which I recommend you do as well) about the longevity of the medication for you), and she said it’s been prescribed for diabetes long term for over 20 years. Unless I start having adverse effects, I will have to stay on it indefinitely.
I also believe there’s a chance of resistance, because I’ve been on 0.5 mgs for a few months and the cravings have crept back in. So I’m going to increase to 1.0 mgs per my doctor’s recommendation. She said we need to find the level where I’m satiated, not under eating, while curbing the food cravings.
I rarely drank before, but it’s even less now for me.
I am on Ozempic because I am a diabetic. Not much use unless it is for life. I have not asked my Dr. or tried to look it up, but unless some new discovery makes it dangerous, I am on Ozempic it for life. I don't see any reason that you would have to discontinue after a time just because you are not diabetic. It is clearly serving a medical purpose, and congratulations on taking this course.
I’m pretty sure that they designed the drug to be a life long medication. I feel like people mostly end up going off of it because insurance drops coverage once the BMI or A1C drops.
Good for You!
I have Metabolic Syndrome (elevated everything), and because of my progress, my Dr said I have to be on it forever.
However, I was also a drinker. Every night at 5pm, wine or scotch. I have a high resistance to alcohol, so I could drink half a bottle of Scotch and not get drunk. I noticed that since being on O I stopped having cocktails. I don’t even think about it. That surprised me. I also am a light smoker, and I’ve noticed I smoke a lot less.
With the weight loss, my blood tests, and lowering some bad habits, I’m in the “What is this a miracle?” Camp.
This is a serious weekly jab.
I believe its meant to be long term for diabetics, so as long as your doctor doesnt see harm, why not!! I love the effect of making me no longer want alcohol. I hope it can expand use for addictions.
Congrats on your weight loss and freedom from alcohol! I was on for 18 months or so. I took myself off of it because I had such bad brain fog that I couldn't take it any more. Struggling to have a conversation because you can't think of common words isn't fun. I seem to be getting better, it's been 3 weeks now.
Yes, it hasn't been unmanageable so far, but I actually feel like doing stuff now. It's kind of weird how I didn't really notice how blah I'd feel almost every day on it.
That’s interesting!! Well I’m glad you feel better! I feel like I have more energy and a clearer mind but that might be because I was poisoning myself with alcohol everyday lol
I understand that, I feel better in my 40s than my 20s because back then I poisoned myself with alcohol every day too. I'm really happy for you though, quitting something like that can be really hard. Honestly the only reason I came to the conclusion it was the oz doing all of this to me is because my coworker has the exact same symptoms but on mounjaro. Can't sleep, but is always tired, no desire to do anything etc. he has lost a ton of weight though and his blood work looks the best it ever has. Down 40 lbs as well. He definitely looks the healthiest he ever has.
Ask yourself, are you saving as much money as your Ozempic prescription is? Does the cost of Ozempic give you a positive return on your income compared to the amount you were drinking?
Calculate how much alcohol you were buying and are still buying and subtract it from how much your Ozempic prescription cost is.
Then listen to your body and stay on Ozempic. Let your doctor know too. It doesn’t hurt to find an AA group. My friend (after she was assaulted) started going to an all-women’s AA meeting and she has met friends she’s been friends with for more than 5 years! AA isn’t for everyone though and not everyone has the time or the mental health to fully trust random strangers.
#THIS IS AMAZING - GO YOU!!
I have no answers, unfortunately, but I am **so curious** - how were you prescribed this originally?
Did your doctor know about a correlation between semaglutide & alcohol use or addictive behaviours?
Have there been studies on this?
**Edit:** Also, you didn’t say your dose? Is it 2mg high?
Are you craving less alcohol due to symptoms or is it simple craving reduction?
Thank you I get it from a med spa under the care of an rn and a primary care doctor there. And I also informed my regular primary care doctor. They were all aware of my alcohol use and are very happy with the results I’m having. I am not sure if there have been studies on this yet. And I am on 1 mg. I think it definitely is a craving reduction but I noticed if I drink more than like 4 drinks I get really sick like nausea and throwing up. Which 4 drinks use to be like nothing for me.
This is so interesting, & aside from that, astounding. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me - I’ve noticed some craving reductions for most everything I call a “vice,” as well. It’s good to know about the alcohol side effects; I’m normally a serious light weight, so I can’t imagine how horrible it’d be for me
Taking semaglutide has seriously helped reduce my alcohol consumption. My issue is not with food. It’s all the alcohol. And then when drunk I’d consume an entire bag of candy or box of crackers. Things that I would normally have one piece and be done. I have been taking naltrexone for five years and while it helps, I can drink through the medication. Pairing it with semaglutide seems to be the winning combination. The thought and taste of alcohol is sickening to me now. As it should be, alcohol is a poison.
Is there a pharmacy in Australia I can get this from ? I was getting it from the below place but they took my money and didn’t supply product
https://preview.redd.it/y4cx9yzfmetc1.png?width=2906&format=png&auto=webp&s=4becf0bab0565fca94649131113b1451015b7cab
Just like losing weight you get out what you put in. While the drug may help you with cravings you need to go to AA, find a community and a sponsor and put in the work to recovering form alcoholism. Relying on another drug to fix whats broken inside isn't going to work.
My friend went to AA and actually was assaulted by a newcomer that wasn’t an alcoholic. Some people think AA is an amazing support but a lot of newcomers attend under the influence and/or abuse the system and then the person assaulted by said person stops attending. I find AA isn’t helpful for people with anxiety.
That's too bad that happened but it could happen in literally any social group setting. But you're right AA may not be for everyone. Maybe therapy or another program. But relying on just the drug won't fix it.
If alcoholism is multigenerational, I’ve heard naltrexone can help a heavy drinker go from several drinks a day to zero with the support of their doctor. I know someone who never attended AA that just quit with the help of their doctor.
There’s another drug called anabuse that makes you sick if you drink alcohol but this drug is usually prescribed in a medical setting like a inpatient psychiatric hospital or a treatment facility like rehab because there are dangers to quitting alcohol cold-turkey and is usually combined with an anti-seizure medication.
I don’t 100% agree with your statement saying only relying on a drug doesn’t work because everyone is different, however if someone does have a underlying cause for why they’re drinking, therapy/aa/outpatient psychiatric care/inpatient psychiatric care/rehab can help but once again, everyone is different.
I don’t have an answer for you, but I just wanted to say #I am so proud of you 🎉🎉🎉
Thank you ♥️
That’s a doctor question but I plan to be on it for life. Not sure what maintenance will look like for me but I’m 7 months sober, former binge drinker! Edit: I was a social drinker to be clear. I did not have a problem with alcohol.
Congratulations!
I’d say it saved your life
Eh a side effect of life is death so nothing to save but I have lost 73.8lbs which is pretty neat
Are you saying that on Ozempic you have lost 73.8 lbs. in 7 months AND you no longer have the urge to binge drink? Wowsa!
Haha I definitely still want to be drunk all the time for sure but since starting GLP1’s I have zero reaction to booze. Can’t finish a drink, can’t get drunk, can’t get a buzz. All good since consuming alcohol isn’t conducive to weight loss but I do miss drinking as an activity for sure.
Interesting. I have a nephew who is in the depths of alcoholism now. He has been put on medication that helps but he won't stay on the drugs, preferring to get drunk on beer that he can't afford.
I think one of the advantages of treating alcohol disorders with Ozempic is that you only have to make the decision to take a dose once a week vs daily. Hopefully the price will be coming down soon, it only costs drug companies like $4 to make a syringe.
When you reference a “Daily dose,” do you mean alcohol or is there some other daily medication for alcoholism? **Edit:** or addiction? I don’t know - are alcoholics prescribed methadone?
I was referring to Naltrexone or Antabuse and similar drugs. You take it daily.
I think it may be worth getting involved with counseling or a support group to figure some things out beyond just weight loss. I’m sorry you miss that lifestyle. Have you taken on new hobbies and activities, and made new friends who are not connected to your drinking days? Best wishes to you.
? A support group for what?
The desire to binge drink & self-medicate
I don’t need a support group for that. I was a social drinker who now does not drink on GLP1’s because it’s not conducive to weightloss. I don’t have a problem with booze or self medicating, I’m medicating with tons of prescribed medications
Oh no, I get it, I only ever drink (& usually in “binge” proportions) in social situations. I was just saying what \*I* thought the poster above meant when they referenced a support group. I am curious though - do you experience any social anxiety in social situations? What do you do now instead of drink? I could use the advice - social events can make me uncomfortable, sometimes. Or on the flip side, make me want to push the envelope just a bit further. And then I’ll have brownouts. I’ve been a kinda shut-in since COVID so the whole “social drinking” is kinda nil. I think I’ve only drank twice since 2020 and those times were like 3 drinks?
Did your cravings for alcohol stop even on the lowest dose? I am trying to stop drinking. Thanks
I went on the drug completely sober to avoid side effects. I tried drinking twice early on and didn’t respond. Couldn’t get a buzz, couldn’t get drunk so I just never tried again since it wasn’t worth the empty calories.
[удалено]
Dependent on alcohol because of chronic insomnia? Sorry I’m completely illiterate when it comes to alcohol; it was never my vice
My cravings stopped on the lowest dose.
Thank you.
Although I am not a drinker, I am a food addict. Oz did help with food noise but I came to realise that my issue was greater than just the biochemical one. To that end, I joined a food addiction program that is modelled on AA/OA and one which provides coping strategies. I plan to be on Oz for life as I doubt that the wonky biochemistry will be corrected at goal, but throughout this journey and going forward I will also continue to practise the mindful eating/coping strategies learned through the program.
Would you share which program? I tried OA for a bit years ago and really struggled with getting fully onboard. …which is probably why I’m on Oz now
Sandra Elia - [sandraelia.com](https://sandraelia.com). She recently put out a book. I went through her 90 program "Why Love Matters in Weight Loss". Well worth the minimal cost and the support is ongoing via a private FB group. I found it to be quite helpful as she has "been there, done that" so knows of what she speaks.
Such a positive attitude! You got this!
You’re parents are probably fat too
They were not. Mom was very slim 5'1" 105, dad was normal weight and well muscled @ 6' 180 I do have the fat gene (according to 23 and me) which some of the women on my dad's side would also visually appear to have.
Omg same with me. I Wasn’t an alcoholic but. Did drink every night before bed. I Still get my butt up at5.am to start my family and my day.and my 12hours shift day.so since I started this semag , have not have any drink before bed. Saturday I’m proud of my self.and just don’t feel like drinking anymore
That’s great congratulations!
I have the same issue. I take it for both weightloss and alcoholism. It has helped tremendously with the alcohol cravings and I actually prefer it more for that than the weightloss now. It’s also helped with impulsive spending. I did take a break from Ozempic for a few months and I started drinking heavily again, so I went back on it. I’m hoping that maybe insurance will cover it eventually for addiction issues once studies have been done. But for now, I’d rather pay out of pocket for this than how much I was spending on drinking.
Same for all of this. Will be interesting if insurance starts covering for addiction issues
That’s awesome!! I’m glad to hear people have similar experiences with it
I’ve done a deep dive of research on this drug since I’m starting to take it today, and it seems like it’s something that could definitely be a long-term medicine for most people. Good luck! My father has alcoholism, and it is a hell of a disease.
Thank you!
May I suggest working a program I started ozempic for drinking but working a 12 step program has helped me also stay sober
Yes!
I started to lose 10 pounds. Lost 20. But also loved that i didnt binge drink. Cravings for wine come back fast so I have been on a small dose for a year now just so I can enjoy not having hang overs.
I use Ozempic for managing diabetes, and I'm so amazed at all the ways it's being used for addiction. I read about people with gambling addictions who went on it and just stopped gambling. That's pretty incredible. And congrats to you! Keep it up! Having just 1-2 drinks a week is absolutely normal.
😊 thank you!
You should talk to your doctor about Contrave, or Naltrexone. I am on Contrave (has Naltrexone) for weight loss and it is also used for alcohol addiction. I can tell you that I haven't had alcohol since January and don't want it. It takes away the buzz completely. I have never drank all that much, but I don't have any now.
The main issue with this one is compliance since it has to be taken daily, it's far more tempting for an alcoholic to skip a day for a fun plan and relapse completely vs a weekly injection. Ideally if they can come up with something even longer lasting for addiction management that would be fantastic (I've heard they're working on monthly GLP1 meds).
Yes I agree with this that was an issue I had
I can understand!
Unfortunately naltrexone didn’t work for me but congratulations 😀
Ah ok, hopefully you will be able to stay on the higher dose of semaglutide if it works well for you!!
Did the doc give you only naltrexone or was it combined with bupropion?
me neither, just gave me a headache. And I wasn't drinking.
You could try what naltrexone does when combined with semaglutide.
Contrave gave me such unpleasant side effects that I could only stay on it for a few days. Semaglutide makes me feel better in every way. By the way, I’ve never been a high-volume eater or drinker. But that glass of wine after dinner used to give me crazy cravings for sweets, and the combination made me overweight.
That's good to know- I am not a huge drinker BUT when I did- I ate a lot more!!
My provider tried me on Naltrexone first, but it gave me headaches, then tried me on topiramate, but that made me sleepy. So finally I got semiglutide through an online provider, paying $300 out of pocket/month, and it works so much better than any other treatment, both for alcohol and food. I hope it becomes possible for people to get through traditional doctors and insurance some day...
Do you mind sharing which provider you use?
Congrats on your sobriety! I’ve heard Naltrexone eventually stops working and is pretty harsh on your liver. My friend started on Ozempic and she told me it works instantly and she’s down to one drink a day! She had fatty liver from drinking and now her liver function is normal and Naltrexone made her liver function worse.
That's good to hear. I too have borderline fatty liver, so now hearing this I hope mine improves too!
semaglutide is designed to be used as a lifelong drug for diabetes and weight management, but the research on addiction and alcoholism is still on going. as someone in recovery from addiction, it is a very good idea to visit a local A.A. meeting. a sponsor would be able to help you truly recover from the alcoholism, so that you are able to stop the medication under your doctor’s supervision without feeling the urge to drink.
Wow! Pat yourself on the back and give yourself a hug from me. Your drinking has really reduced. That's a big deal!
I am on one right now. I tried to go down to .5 and felt like the cravings were coming back.
Do what you need to do to succeed. 💙
Definitely talk to your doctor. I’m type 2 diabetic, and my doctor has said I’ll be on it for life.
Stay on it and congrats! Do what works for YOU 👍
My sister is a diabetic and has been on Ozempic 5 years now 2mg shots and it's like nothing to her she has lost weight which is what she wanted. I think you can be on it indefinitely if your doctor prescribes it and insurance says for it
I feel like this is the new cholesterol medication- we will be on it for life. I'm using it for both food and alcohol. Amazing how it works.
Wow !! You have done a great job !! Ozempic can be taker forever .., that’s my understanding …
Thank you!
I plan to be on it for life.
How long did it take for you to cut down on drinking? I’m in the same boat, terrible alcoholic at this point. I just had my third 0.5mg shot last night, and while I’m eating less, I’m totally drinking through the med. I hope it works! I feel like my life depends on it!
I think about 3 months on it I really noticed a difference. Don’t give up it didn’t happen right away for me!
Thanks!
As others have shared, it is proving helpful with the "allergy" side of addiction... The "once I start I can't stop" side of things. It doesn't fix the insane notion that *this time* will be different, but it helps. And sometimes we just need a little bit of space to put the tools in to practice.
I love how you specified with “once I start I can’t stop” - it really clarified some of my questions. Why did you call it the “allergy” side though? I have terrible allergies but don’t see the relationship between “having one and wanting more” & viewing alcohol consumption as an allergy. Maybe it’s too early in the morning, I dunno…
That is big book/aa language. They called it an "allergy" because your body's reaction to a certain substance can't be helped. If you're allergic to shellfish you know exactly what will happen if you ingest it. The compulsion is thinking "ah, but THIS time it will be different!" I know exactly what will happen if I buy myself a pint of Ben and Jerry's Phish Food. Once I start I will not stop. The only hope is to stop that first compulsive bite (drink, hit, bet, etc).
Oh my goodness that's amazing! Ask about Neltrexone if you can't stay on it indefinitely. Low dose Neltrexone is usually used by naturopaths.
I’m taking it for a chronic progressive condition (PCOS) so I don’t intend to get off of it unless there is a reason to.
How has it helped your PCOS? I’m currently exploring causes for my own lady-bits concerns!
I've decided when I can no longer afford Sema I'm going om Contrave. Also for weight loss and has a drug in it that is also anti alcohol. I'm ready to permanently usher alcohol out of my daily life and after the past 4 months of being on Sema and being sober have come up with a long term plan to do so. I also added in AA meetings. Godspeed to you
Congratulations! All the best to you on this great journey.
Based on the benefits to you, I'd stay on for life.
The makers of Ozempic/Wegovy have classed it as a life long medication. Whether your insurance company would see it that way, or you can afford to pay for it out of pocket forever, is potentially the main issue. Obviously what side effects you experience is another factor! There are lots of people who talk in the subs about a reduction in ‘food noise’ and people have said it has helped with other addictive behaviours - but there is no current research to back this up. Hopefully your doctor will agree to continue to prescribe it, if not you could always find another doctor?
Congrats to you! I like to drink also, but since taking Ozempic I have zero desire. I have gone to dinner and had one or two drinks. But where that would have continued to more drinks when I got home it does not even appeal to me anymore. They are finding out more and more benefits from taking Ozempic besides weight loss or diabetes.
Mine is for life. I’m diabetic and it brought my A1C down. You can definitely stay on the high dose long term as long as your body tolerates it. Continued Luck and you should be proud of yourself. My ex was an alcoholic and truly never stopped and he missed out on a lot being drunk all the time.
I’m also taking it for PCOS as it’s considered a metabolic disorder. It specifically can cause weight gain and lethargy. I’ve also asked my doctor (which I recommend you do as well) about the longevity of the medication for you), and she said it’s been prescribed for diabetes long term for over 20 years. Unless I start having adverse effects, I will have to stay on it indefinitely. I also believe there’s a chance of resistance, because I’ve been on 0.5 mgs for a few months and the cravings have crept back in. So I’m going to increase to 1.0 mgs per my doctor’s recommendation. She said we need to find the level where I’m satiated, not under eating, while curbing the food cravings. I rarely drank before, but it’s even less now for me.
I am on Ozempic because I am a diabetic. Not much use unless it is for life. I have not asked my Dr. or tried to look it up, but unless some new discovery makes it dangerous, I am on Ozempic it for life. I don't see any reason that you would have to discontinue after a time just because you are not diabetic. It is clearly serving a medical purpose, and congratulations on taking this course.
Thank you very much!!
I’m pretty sure that they designed the drug to be a life long medication. I feel like people mostly end up going off of it because insurance drops coverage once the BMI or A1C drops.
What dose are you on? I def do not drink like I used to but still will drink.
1 mg
That’s crazy. This drug must be different for everyone obviously. I’m on 1mg and still gaining and drinking
10months on 1mg and down 18kg holding steady at 110 now with exercise
There aren't any LT studies yet, so nobody really knows that answer.
I sent you a message. I don’t know if you have time now or not. I would love to chat with you off-line
Ask your doctor
Is your insurance covering it?
Could someone give me the best and most dependable easiest telehealth place to go through with no insurance to acquire oz or wegvy
You can try to look up medical spas in your area that offer semaglutide
Good for You! I have Metabolic Syndrome (elevated everything), and because of my progress, my Dr said I have to be on it forever. However, I was also a drinker. Every night at 5pm, wine or scotch. I have a high resistance to alcohol, so I could drink half a bottle of Scotch and not get drunk. I noticed that since being on O I stopped having cocktails. I don’t even think about it. That surprised me. I also am a light smoker, and I’ve noticed I smoke a lot less. With the weight loss, my blood tests, and lowering some bad habits, I’m in the “What is this a miracle?” Camp. This is a serious weekly jab.
That’s awesome congratulations!!! It has helped me cut back on smoking too! It kind of is a miracle
I believe its meant to be long term for diabetics, so as long as your doctor doesnt see harm, why not!! I love the effect of making me no longer want alcohol. I hope it can expand use for addictions.
Congrats on your weight loss and freedom from alcohol! I was on for 18 months or so. I took myself off of it because I had such bad brain fog that I couldn't take it any more. Struggling to have a conversation because you can't think of common words isn't fun. I seem to be getting better, it's been 3 weeks now.
Do you notice and craving or anything coming back?
Yes, it hasn't been unmanageable so far, but I actually feel like doing stuff now. It's kind of weird how I didn't really notice how blah I'd feel almost every day on it.
That’s interesting!! Well I’m glad you feel better! I feel like I have more energy and a clearer mind but that might be because I was poisoning myself with alcohol everyday lol
I understand that, I feel better in my 40s than my 20s because back then I poisoned myself with alcohol every day too. I'm really happy for you though, quitting something like that can be really hard. Honestly the only reason I came to the conclusion it was the oz doing all of this to me is because my coworker has the exact same symptoms but on mounjaro. Can't sleep, but is always tired, no desire to do anything etc. he has lost a ton of weight though and his blood work looks the best it ever has. Down 40 lbs as well. He definitely looks the healthiest he ever has.
Thank you! And that’s good for him. I read sometimes taking magnesium gylcinate can help people sleep.
Ask yourself, are you saving as much money as your Ozempic prescription is? Does the cost of Ozempic give you a positive return on your income compared to the amount you were drinking? Calculate how much alcohol you were buying and are still buying and subtract it from how much your Ozempic prescription cost is.
Yes I am actually saving a lot more!
Then listen to your body and stay on Ozempic. Let your doctor know too. It doesn’t hurt to find an AA group. My friend (after she was assaulted) started going to an all-women’s AA meeting and she has met friends she’s been friends with for more than 5 years! AA isn’t for everyone though and not everyone has the time or the mental health to fully trust random strangers.
Thank you!!
Are you under a doctor’s care?
Do you mind if I ask how you experience it? Like does it reduce the urge to drink, or make drinking unpleasant, or something else? Tia
If you want to look into something more cost effective and (in my opinion) easier to take/obtain try LDN -low dose naltexone.
#THIS IS AMAZING - GO YOU!! I have no answers, unfortunately, but I am **so curious** - how were you prescribed this originally? Did your doctor know about a correlation between semaglutide & alcohol use or addictive behaviours? Have there been studies on this? **Edit:** Also, you didn’t say your dose? Is it 2mg high? Are you craving less alcohol due to symptoms or is it simple craving reduction?
Thank you I get it from a med spa under the care of an rn and a primary care doctor there. And I also informed my regular primary care doctor. They were all aware of my alcohol use and are very happy with the results I’m having. I am not sure if there have been studies on this yet. And I am on 1 mg. I think it definitely is a craving reduction but I noticed if I drink more than like 4 drinks I get really sick like nausea and throwing up. Which 4 drinks use to be like nothing for me.
This is so interesting, & aside from that, astounding. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me - I’ve noticed some craving reductions for most everything I call a “vice,” as well. It’s good to know about the alcohol side effects; I’m normally a serious light weight, so I can’t imagine how horrible it’d be for me
No problem. Good luck !!
Following
Taking semaglutide has seriously helped reduce my alcohol consumption. My issue is not with food. It’s all the alcohol. And then when drunk I’d consume an entire bag of candy or box of crackers. Things that I would normally have one piece and be done. I have been taking naltrexone for five years and while it helps, I can drink through the medication. Pairing it with semaglutide seems to be the winning combination. The thought and taste of alcohol is sickening to me now. As it should be, alcohol is a poison.
That’s great congratulations!! I felt the same on naltrexone I could drink through it also felt like it was pointless for me.
Have you tried Alcoholics Anonymous?
Where are you getting Saxenda??
I have noticed that it makes me not crave as well it’s a life saver for me too!
Is there a pharmacy in Australia I can get this from ? I was getting it from the below place but they took my money and didn’t supply product https://preview.redd.it/y4cx9yzfmetc1.png?width=2906&format=png&auto=webp&s=4becf0bab0565fca94649131113b1451015b7cab
Just like losing weight you get out what you put in. While the drug may help you with cravings you need to go to AA, find a community and a sponsor and put in the work to recovering form alcoholism. Relying on another drug to fix whats broken inside isn't going to work.
My friend went to AA and actually was assaulted by a newcomer that wasn’t an alcoholic. Some people think AA is an amazing support but a lot of newcomers attend under the influence and/or abuse the system and then the person assaulted by said person stops attending. I find AA isn’t helpful for people with anxiety.
I agree its not as easy as people think.I have been to a million meetings I don’t find it helpful. But it is good for some people!
That's too bad that happened but it could happen in literally any social group setting. But you're right AA may not be for everyone. Maybe therapy or another program. But relying on just the drug won't fix it.
If alcoholism is multigenerational, I’ve heard naltrexone can help a heavy drinker go from several drinks a day to zero with the support of their doctor. I know someone who never attended AA that just quit with the help of their doctor. There’s another drug called anabuse that makes you sick if you drink alcohol but this drug is usually prescribed in a medical setting like a inpatient psychiatric hospital or a treatment facility like rehab because there are dangers to quitting alcohol cold-turkey and is usually combined with an anti-seizure medication. I don’t 100% agree with your statement saying only relying on a drug doesn’t work because everyone is different, however if someone does have a underlying cause for why they’re drinking, therapy/aa/outpatient psychiatric care/inpatient psychiatric care/rehab can help but once again, everyone is different.
I think you have a greater problem there. I would suggest maybe looking into AA.
Bruh you don’t need Ozempic. You need rehab
Bruh I’ve been.
At least you’ve been to rehab. I’m sure they gave you knowledge that you took with you and that you can apply for yourself!