GLP-1 Medications: Beyond Weight Loss—Exploring Their Potential to Curb Addictive Cravings

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have become widely recognized for their ability to promote weight loss and improve metabolic health. However, emerging research suggests that their benefits may extend far beyond managing obesity and diabetes. In recent studies and clinical observations, GLP-1 medications appear to reduce cravings and reward-driven behaviors linked to nicotine, alcohol, and opioid use. As a result, some physicians are prescribing these drugs not only for weight management but also as part of broader strategies to support addiction recovery and impulse control. A New Frontier in Addiction and Craving Reduction GLP-1 receptor agonists were originally developed to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Their mechanism involves mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which slows gastric emptying, suppresses …

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“Rewiring the Brain”: A conversation with Mark Hrymoc, MD on the One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast

One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast is dedicated to exploring real, human stories of healing, sobriety, and transformation. Through honest conversations and lived experiences, the show provides support, education, and hope to anyone navigating the journey of addiction recovery. With each episode, listeners are reminded that recovery is not only possible — it can be meaningful, empowering, and life-changing. In episode 379: “Rewiring the Brain: Ketamine Therapy in Addiction Recovery,” host Arlina Allen welcomes Mark Hrymoc, MD, a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in addiction treatment and psychopharmacology. Their discussion focuses on an emerging and powerful approach in the recovery landscape: ketamine-assisted therapy. While traditional talk therapy remains valuable, there are times when trauma and emotional pain reside deeper than cognitive processing alone can reach. This episode explores how ketamine can help access and heal subconscious emotional wounds that often drive addictive behaviors. Dr. Hrymoc shares clinical insight into how …

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“Innovation”: A conversation with Mark Hrymoc, MD on the Avoiding the Addiction Affliction podcast

When does substance use shift from a casual behavior to a serious problem? And more importantly, how can individuals, families, and communities recognize the warning signs and prevent addiction from taking hold? These are the types of essential conversations explored on Avoiding the Addiction Affliction, a weekly podcast hosted by educator, counselor, speaker, and consultant Michael McGowan, President of McGowan & Associates. Each Wednesday, he interviews experienced professionals who share real-world insight into addiction, prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery. For more than twenty-five years, McGowan has worked with families, schools, agencies, athletes, and organizations across the United States, providing expert training, certified rehabilitation programs, and impactful keynote presentations. His mission is rooted in education, awareness, and prevention — helping people of all ages understand addiction before it escalates. In the episode “Innovation,” guest Mark Hrymoc, MD, joins the conversation to discuss how the landscape of mental health and addiction medicine …

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Understanding Addiction Medicine Today with Mark Hrymoc, MD on The Meaning Project Podcast

Addiction treatment is evolving—and it’s no longer just about willpower or abstinence. In The Meaning Project Podcast, host Daniel A. Franz, MD speaks with Mark Hrymoc, MD double board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry, about the future of recovery, the science behind addiction, and why compassion still matters most. Addiction Is More Than Substance Use As Dr. Hrymoc explains, addiction is driven by genetics, trauma, and changes in the brain—not moral failure. Traditional programs like AA and 12-step recovery remain essential, but many people benefit most when these are combined with modern medical treatment. Science and Medication Are Transforming Recovery Medications are now key tools in addiction treatment—not to replace recovery, but to make it possible. Dr. Hrymoc highlights: Naltrexone and Suboxone to reduce cravings and prevent relapse Modern psychopharmacology to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma The growing role of behavioral addictions like gambling, gaming, pornography, and …

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Healing the Whole Self: Addiction, Mental Health & Recovery with Mark Hrymoc, MD on The Way Out Podcast

Recovery is about more than just stopping substance use — it’s about restoring a person’s mind, body, relationships, and sense of self. In The Way Out Podcast episode “Healing the Whole Self: Addiction, Mental Health & Recovery,” host Jason R. sits down with Mental Health Center co-founder and addiction psychiatrist Mark Hrymoc, MD to explore what true healing really looks like. Addiction and Mental Health Are Deeply Connected As Dr. Hrymoc explains, addiction and mental health disorders rarely exist in isolation. Depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD — when left untreated, they can fuel substance use. And in turn, addiction often intensifies these same mental health conditions. That’s why treating just one issue isn’t enough. Recovery requires addressing both — together. “Addiction and mental health feed off each other. Recovery means treating the whole person, not just the substance use,” says Dr. Hrymoc. What Real Recovery Means Recovery isn’t simply abstinence. It’s …

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