Beyond cravings: A phenomenological exploration of relief among individuals with substance use disorders on GLP-1 medications

This qualitative, phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of individuals prescribed GLP-1 medications (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide) for weight loss while concurrently living with a substance use disorder. With the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications, which are prescribed to one in eight adults in the United States, this study addressed a critical gap in research by exploring the dual health challenges faced by individuals managing obesity and substance use disorders simultaneously. Using in-depth interviews with ten adults living in the United States (n=10) and interpretive phenomenological analysis, the study examined how participants navigated these intersecting conditions and the impact of treatment on their well-being. The essence of the phenomenon was encapsulated by six key themes: profound relief from cravings, as participants described a significant reduction in substance use compulsions after starting GLP-1 medications; a history of repeated attempts at behavior change, with many recounting cycles of returns to use/binge eating and recommitment prior to finding stability with medication; a connection between substance use and eating habits, as participants reflected on deeply ingrained patterns of reward-seeking and self-soothing through both substances and food; a disconnect from traditional recovery spaces, with some feeling that their experience with GLP-1 medications positioned them outside conventional addiction treatment narratives; a commitment to long-term change, as participants expressed a newfound sense of agency in managing their health; and reconciling perceptions of past and present “self”, as participants grappled with shifting identities in response to their evolving health and recovery journeys. Additionally, medication shortages emerged as a significant barrier, leading to distress and concerns about sustained recovery and weight management. These findings provide novel insights into the impact of GLP-1 medications on individuals with co-occurring obesity and substance use disorders. The study contributes to the theoretical foundations of social work related to integrated health care and underscores the need for more inclusive, compassionate, and accessible treatment approaches. By highlighting the lived experiences of this population, this research informs policy, clinical practice, and future studies aimed at addressing the intersection of substance use, obesity, and chronic disease management.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Social Work

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Evans, Jennifer Mann

Contributors dc:contributor

• Smith, Douglas
• Liechty, Janet
• Cohen, Flora Yaffe
• Goodnight, Melissa

• recovery
• obesity
• substance use
• GLP-1
• phenomenology

Statement dc:rights

• © 2025 Jennifer Mann Evans

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129464

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129464