Should You Be Using a GLP-1 to Stop Alcohol Cravings?

In a world of GLP-1 medications promising health and weight loss, should you be considering one to experience less alcohol cravings?

Jun 27, 2025

It seems like everyone you know is suddenly skinny. Or, they’re considering jumping on board and taking a GLP-1 medication. Now you’re wondering— should you?

These medications are the talk of the town. You’ve heard of them — Ozempic & Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro & Zepbound (tirzepatide). They promise rapid weight loss, and seem to be helpful for those who have struggled with weight loss in the past.

In this post, I’ll be talking about the realities of these medications, how to determine if they are right for you, and the natural ways you can enhance your body’s own GLP-1 production (without the side effects).

Most recently, discussion has surfaced around their ability to eliminate alcohol desires and their possible use for Alcohol Use Disorder. This was highlighted in a 2025 study published in JAMA Psychiatry, where the use of semaglutide reduced the number of drinks consumed per drinking occasion and alcohol craving (but did not significantly decrease the number of days where alcohol was consumed).

So, should you be considering a GLP-1 medication to help with alcohol reduction?

It’s not a simple yes or no. Let’s talk more about these medications so that you can make an informed decision.

What GLP-1 Users Are Experiencing

Weight loss, yes. But it’s not all sunshine and skinny jeans.

While these medications seem to offer the “magic pill” effect that many have yearned for, they are not without side effects.

As a doctor of nutrition, most of my recent experience with these medications is with my one-on-one clients who come to me after using these medications and have ended up with major side effects as a result.

Common side effects include:

Nausea (up to 50% of users experience this)
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Bloating
Poor appetite
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Physical facial changes (“Ozempic face”)
Dizziness
Headaches
Hair loss

Less often, users experience more severe side effects, like gallbladder problems, bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, and kidney damage. They’re not common, but they are a possibility.

Most commonly with my clients, I see nausea, vomiting, constipation and major digestive issues that persist beyond using the drug. The side effects can linger even well beyond use of the medication.

Additionally, they rebound in weight if they’re not getting enough protein or exercise. This is because the rapid weight loss with these medications can also cause breakdown of muscle mass. When the medication is discontinued, this change in body composition can make it difficult to sustain the loss.

While these medications are becoming increasingly available and easy to access, I highly recommend talking to your personal healthcare provider about using them (rather than ordering them online or through a middleman). Your doc is going to know best if they are the right approach based on your own health conditions, goals, and any contraindications with medications.

What We Can Learn from GLP-1s (the science-y stuff)

I’m typically a fan of approaching things in a natural way. But medications can often provide insights into the mechanisms of the body that are being impacted, providing us with details on how we might approach this in a different way.

Let’s keep this simple.

The mechanism of action of these medications is that they increase the release of insulin, causing an uptake of glucose into the cells, along with influences on digestion and appetite. They were originally produced to support diabetics by helping to regulate blood sugar.

It is suggested, too, that GLP-1 medications may influence dopamine systems in the brain, dulling the reward response to foods (and therefore, alcohol). This makes food, alcohol, and other substances less appealing and diminishes our desires for them.

One of the common topics I discuss around alcohol cravings has to do with blood sugar. It seems in the case of GLP-1s, the regulation of blood sugar may be in part contributing to the reduction in cravings.

In my Functional Sobriety programs, we discuss the role of blood sugar and how it can influence cravings. My go-to tips: Consume adequate protein, have frequent meals and snacks (every 3-4 hours), and ALWAYS have an afternoon snack between 3-5pm. Not only will cravings be a thing of the past, but you’ll feel more satisfied, more energized, and experience a more balanced mood.

We don’t need a GLP-1 to manage blood sugar… we just need to make thoughtful tweaks to what (and how) we eat.

Be Wary of Hypoglycemia

One of the side effects of GLP-1 medications is a risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Because these medications were designed to support those with diabetes, those without high blood sugar levels may find themselves experiencing the opposite.

Low blood sugar is one of the most common concerns that I see in those with a history of chronic alcohol use. Low blood sugar can look like intense cravings (for sugar, carbs or alcohol), extreme / sudden onset fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and even low mood.

Therefore, if you’re at risk of hypoglycemia, or you frequently experience symptoms of low blood sugar, a GLP-1 medication may not be the best choice for you.

Bring Your Own GLP-1 (BYOGLP?)

Your body naturally produces this wonderful hormone. But GLP-1 production be hampered by an unhealthy gut, overconsumption of alcohol consumption, poor diet, and even stress.

The good news is that there are steps that you can take to heal your gut and enhance your nutrition to improve it. Here’s how to support your body’s natural GLP-1 production:

Foods:

GLP-1 is produced largely in the cells of the gut. Yes, your gut makes its own GLP-1! But, if your microbiome is out of balance, it can influence how much of this hormone is produced. Certain foods that can help support the gut and produce GLP-1 include:

Fiber-rich foods: Fiber helps to feed your probiotic bacteria and supports the cells of your gut. Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes to boost production (and enhance overall digestion). Win-win!
Probiotic foods: Probiotic foods like fermented dairy, pickled veggies, sauerkraut and kimchi help to boost levels of these healthy microbes in your gut, including those that support metabolism and weight.
Protein: Protein and amino acids are key to a healthy gut lining. Make sure you’re consuming protein at each meal, which can also help support blood sugar balance, manage appetite, and ward off cravings (including those for alcohol).

Supplements:

Supplements can also be used to help stimulate the body’s production of GLP-1. Here are a few to consider:

A fiber supplement: While fiber from foods is best, it can be difficult to reach optimal levels with food alone. I recommend a fiber supplement, like psyllium husk, to most of my clients. This helps support healthy digestion, a healthy microbiome, and regulates bowel movements— especially if you experience constipation.
Probiotics (specifically Akkermansia): Probiotics are suggested to play an important role in our body’s natural GLP-1 production and overall metabolic health. They also help regulate digestion, improve mood, and support craving management!
Berberine: Known as “nature’s Ozempic”, Berberine has a long history of use for balancing blood sugar levels and influencing the gut microbiome. Warning: Berberine supplements can contribute to digestive upset in some due to its role as an herbal antimicrobial. Use with caution.
Turmeric / Curcumin: Some studies suggest that turmeric (and its active ingredient curcumin) may enhance GLP-1 production, improve glucose levels, and support weight management.

Note: I’ve created a special supplement kit that includes my recommended tools for enhancing natural GLP-1 production. Here’s a link to learn more »

Taking a GLP-1? Here’s How to Support Your Body

If you decide that a GLP-1 is right for you, you can use the aforementioned foods and supplements, just make sure to check with your doctor before implementing anything new!

Because side effects are a likely reality with these medications, here are some tools to implement to help ward off uncomfortable or unwanted effects:

Exercise: Even though weight loss may come without much exercise, it is still important to establish an exercise routine while taking a GLP-1. Weight training is especially important to ensure you’re continuing to build muscle.
Protein Intake: One of the common themes I see with those taking a GLP-1 is a lack of sufficient dietary protein. Because protein is filling, many find that they can’t eat much of it while on this medication. However, low protein intake can contribute to the breakdown of muscle, too.
Support Your Gut Health: Supporting the gut is key for overall health, metabolism, and GLP-1 production. Taking a probiotic, eating more fiber-rich foods, and consuming probiotic-rich foods can help you keep a healthy baseline.
Consider a Digestive Enzyme: If a GLP-1 has thrown a wrench in your digestion, a digestive enzyme may help bring things back into balance…especially if you experience nausea, heartburn, bloating or constipation.
Get Support: I always recommend considering additional support when taking these medications, like meeting with a nutritionist, hiring a health coach, or working with a therapist. Working with these practitioners can support you in ensuring proper nutrition while taking medications, gain support on behavioral change, and address underlying triggers and challenges.

In summary, it’s all about doing what feels best for YOU. What feels right for YOU. But also make sure to chat with your healthcare provider before starting medications to ensure it is right for your individual situation.

Want more support on managing alcohol cravings, improving your metabolism, and improving your overall health?

We talk about these tools inside of my bestselling course, the Functional Sobriety Academy (enrolling now), where you can get direct support, a customized nutrition and supplement plan, and so much more.

Sending you love, and permission to do what feels right for you.

Xo, Dr. Brooke

Less with Dr. Brooke Scheller

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