S6 E5: Hot Topics In Addiction Medicine: GLP-1sS6 E5: Hot Topics In Addiction Medicine: GLP-1s
Addiction Medicine Podcast
Pollen Williamson and Dr Michael Baca-Atlas talk through GLP-1 medications, their emerging evidence in substance use disorders, and key safety concerns for clinicians. The conversation focuses on practical takeaways, patient expectations, and the importance of staying informed and open to discussion.
16:31•25 Aug 2026
GLP-1s and Addiction Care: What Clinicians Need to Know Right Now
Episode Overview
- GLP-1s currently have no FDA-approved indications for any substance use disorder, despite growing interest and emerging evidence.
- Large observational data in veterans suggest GLP-1 use is associated with lower rates of new SUDs and fewer overdoses, acute care visits, and deaths.
- Addiction clinicians need to understand key GLP-1 side effects, especially GI symptoms and gallbladder issues, to avoid misattributing them to opioid treatment.
- Screening for disordered eating and monitoring significant weight changes is crucial as GLP-1 use expands, including from online and compounded sources.
- Clinicians are urged to stay open, thank patients for engaging in their health, and be willing to say they’ll research GLP-1 questions rather than dismiss them.
“I always just start by saying, like, thank you so much for being invested in your health, in your well-being.”
What resources and support systems are available for sobriety? This instalment of the Addiction Medicine Podcast zeros in on one of the buzziest tools in modern healthcare: GLP-1 medications and their potential role in caring for people with substance use disorders. Host Pollen Williamson chats with Dr Michael Baca-Atlas, immediate past president of the North Carolina Society of Addiction Medicine, about why GLP-1s are suddenly on everyone’s radar.
You’ll hear them stress early on that “none of the substance use disorders that we talk about have an FDA-approved indication for these medications”, grounding the whole chat in realistic expectations rather than hype. The conversation walks through three clear takeaways for clinicians.
First, they talk about emerging evidence, including a large observational study of over 600,000 veterans suggesting lower rates of new alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine and opioid use disorders among people starting GLP-1s, along with fewer overdoses and deaths. Second, they cover side effects that addiction clinicians can’t afford to miss, especially GI issues like nausea and constipation, gallbladder problems, and the reassurance that current evidence “really does not support mood disturbance or suicidal ideation” with GLP-1 use.
Third, there’s a strong focus on whole-person care: screening for disordered eating, paying attention to sudden weight changes, and asking where GLP-1s are coming from, particularly when patients might be buying compounded versions online.
Throughout, Dr Baca-Atlas encourages clinicians to be open when patients raise GLP-1s, saying it’s perfectly fine to reply, “let me look into this a little bit and I’ll get back to you.” If you’re a clinician working with substance use disorders and wondering how GLP-1s fit into your practice, this conversation offers practical context, nuance, and a nudge to stay curious. How ready are you to join the GLP-1 conversation with your patients?
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