Imagine your brain as a bustling kitchen where cravings are like rowdy dinner guests banging on the table, demanding more—more food, more drinks, more hits, more dopamine-fueled highs.
"addressing comorbidities like obesity that often co-occur with SUDs." - I don't understand this statement. How many overweight people do you know who are also addicted to heroin or meth? I don't mean to split hairs here, but I wholly disagree with this statement.
I know quite a few people who have found GLP-1s beneficial in their recovery journey, mostly from alcohol. However, I was not so lucky. After decades of IV meth use, I decided to give it a shot (pun intended). I have not been that sick ever. It was the worst 9 days of my life. I couldn't move without puking. So, addict logic said: have a shot of meth, you'll feel better. Bad idea. I got dizzy, confused, puked even more. A day later, addict logic said:yesterday was a fluke, have a shot of meth, you'll definitely feel better! Nope.. Nah-ah. Made everything so much worse. I think I'm just one of those examples who exist to remind people that addiction is complex. It's not just a "hijacked dopamine system" like chat gpt likes to put it. What addiction is depends on who you ask and the person suffering through it.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s a powerful reminder that recovery is unpredictable and deeply personal—there’s just no one-size-fits-all approach.
I definitely didn’t mean to suggest that obesity always co-occurs with opioid or stimulant use, or to generalize anyone’s experience. You’re right: the overlap is often more common with alcohol and sometimes prescription meds, and even then, everyone’s journey is different. For what it’s worth, I’ve met people in recovery—especially from alcohol use disorder—who’ve found GLP-1s helpful, but your story is a crucial reminder that these meds aren’t magic for everyone.
I’m sorry you had such a hard time with GLP-1s. You’re absolutely right: the side effects can be brutal, and the “hijacked brain” explanation doesn’t even begin to capture the complexity of addiction.
For me, being on a GLP-1 has been a huge life changer, but it hasn’t been easy. Just like with any other medication for mental health, it can take 6–12 weeks to actually see the full effects. The side effects? Yeah, they suck—but I try to look at them through a harm reduction lens. I know my stomach’s going to be upset some days, but if I stay hydrated and follow the guidelines, it’s manageable. It’s definitely not a quick fix, and it’s not going to erase years of addiction or struggle overnight.
Also, just to add—meth was my drug of choice too, and I was a 325-pound meth addict at my smallest, after losing 83 pounds. So I get it—not all meth or heroin users are underweight. Some of us are living proof that those stereotypes don’t always fit.
I really appreciate us having this conversation. At the end of the day, it’s about facts, not arguments, and listening to each other’s lived experiences. Thank you again for being open and real about your journey. These kinds of discussions are how we actually move forward.
I hear you. I was just confused, but thank you for elaborating. It makes sense now. I also know many people who have had great success with GLP-1. I was desperately looking for a shortcut. I eventually had to come to terms with the fact that shortcuts just don't exist. [sigh]
"addressing comorbidities like obesity that often co-occur with SUDs." - I don't understand this statement. How many overweight people do you know who are also addicted to heroin or meth? I don't mean to split hairs here, but I wholly disagree with this statement.
I know quite a few people who have found GLP-1s beneficial in their recovery journey, mostly from alcohol. However, I was not so lucky. After decades of IV meth use, I decided to give it a shot (pun intended). I have not been that sick ever. It was the worst 9 days of my life. I couldn't move without puking. So, addict logic said: have a shot of meth, you'll feel better. Bad idea. I got dizzy, confused, puked even more. A day later, addict logic said:yesterday was a fluke, have a shot of meth, you'll definitely feel better! Nope.. Nah-ah. Made everything so much worse. I think I'm just one of those examples who exist to remind people that addiction is complex. It's not just a "hijacked dopamine system" like chat gpt likes to put it. What addiction is depends on who you ask and the person suffering through it.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s a powerful reminder that recovery is unpredictable and deeply personal—there’s just no one-size-fits-all approach.
I definitely didn’t mean to suggest that obesity always co-occurs with opioid or stimulant use, or to generalize anyone’s experience. You’re right: the overlap is often more common with alcohol and sometimes prescription meds, and even then, everyone’s journey is different. For what it’s worth, I’ve met people in recovery—especially from alcohol use disorder—who’ve found GLP-1s helpful, but your story is a crucial reminder that these meds aren’t magic for everyone.
I’m sorry you had such a hard time with GLP-1s. You’re absolutely right: the side effects can be brutal, and the “hijacked brain” explanation doesn’t even begin to capture the complexity of addiction.
For me, being on a GLP-1 has been a huge life changer, but it hasn’t been easy. Just like with any other medication for mental health, it can take 6–12 weeks to actually see the full effects. The side effects? Yeah, they suck—but I try to look at them through a harm reduction lens. I know my stomach’s going to be upset some days, but if I stay hydrated and follow the guidelines, it’s manageable. It’s definitely not a quick fix, and it’s not going to erase years of addiction or struggle overnight.
Also, just to add—meth was my drug of choice too, and I was a 325-pound meth addict at my smallest, after losing 83 pounds. So I get it—not all meth or heroin users are underweight. Some of us are living proof that those stereotypes don’t always fit.
I really appreciate us having this conversation. At the end of the day, it’s about facts, not arguments, and listening to each other’s lived experiences. Thank you again for being open and real about your journey. These kinds of discussions are how we actually move forward.
I hear you. I was just confused, but thank you for elaborating. It makes sense now. I also know many people who have had great success with GLP-1. I was desperately looking for a shortcut. I eventually had to come to terms with the fact that shortcuts just don't exist. [sigh]
Thank you for your thoughtful response
No worries! Im glad you commented! These conversations are so helpful to others too!
Tirzepitide is expensive garbage that does nothing but make my skin itch! 😭
It is expensive... I feel you on that one! But it's been an amazing tool for me.