People Tried Something Unexpected For Addiction... Here’s What I Think

[@kristinalexander8665]

I've been on the Vivitrol shot for months, and I do feel that it really has helped the physical cravings. I'm now 15 months sober!! 🤗💕 And no, it's not cheating.. We use medications to treat any other ailments, so why not alcoholism and addiction?? Of course, it doesn't treat the root cause, so I also still believe in 12 step programs, but I definitely think it's a great addition to the toolbox for continued success. Thank you for all you do, Amber! 🙂❤️ And Merry Christmas!! 🎄💕

[@PutTheShovelDown]

I'm right there with you, Kristin! And, congrats on 15 months sober. That's inspiring! 🤩🤩🤩💫💫💫💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@donnajoao]

@@kristinalexander8665 That's awesome congrats and I'm glad to see your story my husband who has AUD started the shot last week and it's not cheating. It's saving someone from a disease 🙏🏻💕

[@kristinalexander8665]

@@PutTheShovelDown - Thank you, Amber!! And I've been sharing your channel with my fellow sober sisters!! 🥰Appreciate your insight and compassion to help!! One day at a time!! ❤️❤️

[@janem4791]

the vivitrol injection is not available in uk unfortunately. The naltrexone tablets are but many people say that the injection is better.

[@debraseiler4148]

Anything that can help the terrible spiral into unspeakable consequences should be used in conjunction with other therapy. It can pause a person long enough so they can begin thinking again! I have been free from addiction almost 6 years. Anything that is helpful and safe should be used.

[@PutTheShovelDown]

Great points, Debra!

[@tarareisenauer242]

Been waiting for this since I saw this being suggested as a potential addiction treatment. Are there any research studies being conducted for this?

[@PutTheShovelDown]

the research on this topic is still quite limited. I'm not sure if there are any studies going on currently. I would image there is. As of now, we only have anecdotal evidence.

[@2crewZoo]

There actually is!!!

[@el3176]

I’m taking wegovy(aka ozempic) for 3 month now, prescribed by my doctor to help with obesity and insulin resistance and I also noticed that I stopped binge drinking and just drinking much-much less and less frequent. I feel like I’m genuinely fine all the time, the endless void for food, drinks, nicotine and shopping is kinda reduced to small desire from time to time and if it’s not suitable at the moment I can easily stop thinking about it. Like I have impulse control now, which I don’t remember having since maybe childhood. Last year I completely quit drinking and smoking cigarettes for about 8 months, but it was everyday struggle and eventually I started drinking again, but much less than before. Although, I had to constantly check time, number of drinks and use non-alcoholic beer in between drinks and after the party to feed the void and “trick” myself to consume less alcohol when possible. So, so far, wegovy helped me a lot.

[@jeanh.826]

That would be so great if that works!!! My husband is on it for type 2 Diabetes. It has helped him lose about 60# and his A1C is below 5. It has worked wonders for him. But he isn't an addict. Our youngest daughter is the alcoholic. It has been 35 years of ups and downs. She has put us through the wringer. She has at this time been sober for over 2 months. Every time I get my hopes up she lets me down. I am always hopeful. Her daughter no longer speaks to her. This disease is so cruel! Thank you for your pod cast's! They are a life changer/saver.

[@ritatharp5238]

I wouldn't consider it cheating if you used any kind of medicine that helps you get better.

[@PutTheShovelDown]

💯💯💯

[@davidcasson5602]

Hi Amber ,, I read Sharon Osbourne from America’s got talent was concerned that young people would become addicted to losing weight , anorexia nervosa etc. While her husband predictably said **** **** and swears he’d never used it again , as it made him paranoid.

[@PutTheShovelDown]

That's interesting. I hadn't heard that (especially the part about being paranoid).

[@jenniferandrews8449]

The girl who played Tony Sopranos daughter also has spoken out about it.

[@megansulak1545]

My husband is on Wegovy for weight loss and is also a recovering cocaine and alcohol user. He said that it makes his cravings for alcohol practically disappear. If he does get a craving, it's easier to ride it out. I'm also on wegovy, and went from a social drinker (a couple a week) to maybe one every couple months. It's been life changing for us!

[@rickricksimsburygml1854]

How about ozempic's rebound affect? Most people who discontinue ozempic will gain back their lost weight and then some. In other words, they need to take it for the rest of their life to stay thin? Could this be the same with addicting substances? Example... a borderline alcoholic is now made into a full blown alcoholic? Something to think about.

[@PutTheShovelDown]

You make a really good point, Rick!

[@iv4559]

Amber I am watching you from Poland, married to an American, lived in the US a few years and what I see is that America is a drug country. People in US abuse medication like candy. Aderall to get things done. Shots to loose weight. Heavy pain meds for slightest tooth ache. It’s crazy to me. My mother in law is on mounjaro for weight loss. She lost 30 pounds and suggested it to my AH. If I didn’t step in he’d probably take one of her shots. I almost immediately drove her back to the airport. I see how it could possibly help with cravings but it’s just another “miracle drug” that keeps you hooked and has long list of other bad effects. Side effects are the actual effects of a drug. In my opinion a drug that only works as long as you take it and then when stopped all comes back is not a good option. Plus has negative impact on your health as well. It’s like the South Park episode “The end of obesity” where Randy goes to an ozempic party and they ask “which drug are you on” and he’s like “I’m on whatever”

[@PutTheShovelDown]

You make a valid point about Americans using drugs for everything!

[@jennasway3334]

And it’s horrible what’s happening to people using this drug for weight loss too. Really horrible.

[@theconcealedmistress]

Dr Tyna Moore gives great guidance on Ozempic. Like to stop nasty side effects, like diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, you're probably taking to much, try a smaller dose, microdose. And to prevent getting ozempic face, drastic weight loss, eat enough protein and weight train to build muscle. It does work for sugar and other addictions too.

[@TheStrong2021]

I have been on Zepbound since June 2024 and it completely took away every craving of alcohol and sweets for me. I guess I would wonder how the medication would work if someone doesn't need to lose weight because they are mal nutritioned because of drugs but does need to stop drinking. Probably some sort of compound.

[@debbyallen1234]

Do your research. Ozempic works until it doesn’t. Side effects aren’t pleasant and it is expensive and not covered by insurance for everyone.

[@ivygirl257]

Facts. Once you stop the shots, you not only gain all the weight back, add a few extra pounds. I work in a Dr office, I see it daily.

[@iwanttobeontheisland]

I've heard that it causes weight loss, but not necessarily fat loss. Like supposedly it's causing people to lose muscle mass or bone density or something? But like I just heard that on the Internet somewhere and I have not done my research, so take that with a grain of salt. I think medications can definitely assist in recovery, perhaps even be instrumental for some. There's almost always some side effects that come along with any medication, so I think it's important to weigh the pros and cons. But I think medication and medication assisted treatment can absolutely be worth it for a lot of people. There's no one size fits all for recovery and perhaps this could be a real game changer for a lot of people. I think it's important to do your research, weigh your pros and cons, and listen to your body. But if ozempic can help even some people recover, I think that's amazing

[@donnajoao]

Hi Amber I was taken Qzempic for almost a year till I couldn't afford it. But for me I have severe picking disorder and it didn't do anything for me. Maybe if I was on a higher dose who knows

[@PutTheShovelDown]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It's good to hear from someone who has tried it!

[@robynboone8256]

But what happens when you stop the ozempic?

[@gracielasaenz2128]

Hi Mrs. Amber what do you think about taking Gabipantine ?

[@ConstantCompanion]

We've been looking into naltrexone which seems to have a similar effect. I think the hard truth is the more I read about people who have battled alcohol, the more I see that it's almost like they're running. They're happier. Healthier. But the addiction is still there.

[@janem4791]

if you are itnerested in naltrexone have a google for The Sinclair Method. It does seem to have great success in many people.

[@penelopegregg4447]

I took Naltrexone and couldn't take the side effects... I have heard it is a great drug for others that have had success. I'm AF now and thankful for communities like this that really supported my 4 1/2 year journey. Whatever it takes... it's worth it! Good luck!

[@briepower8226]

How do I get it?

[@stellarhope6954]

Fascinating

[@melissafoster9701]

That ozempic makes you dependent on the shot when you stop the shit you gain it back. I lost 40 pounds in 4 months in keto diet

[@PutTheShovelDown]

That's awesome. Congrats, Melissa!

[@ivygirl257]

You are 100% correct

[@christineczyryca5820]

I wouldn't say it's cheating but I sure would be Leary of the side effects that ruin health. Have to look at the biochemical effects. I'd have to really have a professional who really understands toxicity in the body, which meds are loaded with. Anything that mimics raises a red flag for me. What body organs are affected and how? You may be adding one problem on top of another, given bodily organs are already compromised by alcohol.

[@rg1360]

How come you won't cover addiction to snacking/comfort eating which is always sugars and starches? It's the biggest addiction in the world right now looking at obesity rates. Is this because you have this very addiction and it's too painful to look at?

[@melissafoster9701]

Why did you go completely black again. Streaks. Like black with half that light colored hair you had.

[@PutTheShovelDown]

Hi Melissa! You're so sweet to notice. This video was made before I lightened my hair!

[@melissafoster9701]

@@PutTheShovelDown okay.thanks. I love your eyes

[@goodwilltriumph2842]

@@PutTheShovelDown I'm weighing in on this one. I think your hair looks great lightened Amber! You are such a pretty lady anyways. It doesn't matter what you do. You've got both types of beauty. Outer beauty and the inner beauty that shines from a heart of gold. Merry Christmas to you and all your family!