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GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy were built to treat diabetes and support weight loss. Along the way, researchers noticed something they didn’t expect: some people taking them also lost interest in alcohol and cigarettes. That raised a bigger question. If these drugs can quiet cravings for some substances, could they help with stimulants like […]

For some people, cravings are one of the hardest parts of early recovery. When they’re strong enough, they can make it difficult to stay engaged in treatment, or to begin treatment at all. Finding ways to ease that intensity can make a meaningful difference in whether someone is able to do the work of recovery. […]

Weight changes are common during addiction recovery, and they can happen for several reasons. Substance use can affect appetite, digestion, hydration, sleep, metabolism, and eating patterns. When use stops, the body begins adjusting to regular meals, new medications, different activity levels, and more consistent care. For some people, that adjustment includes weight gain. It may […]

GLP-1 medications have become part of a much bigger conversation than diabetes, weight loss, or appetite. More people are asking whether medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound may also affect cravings for alcohol, nicotine, or other substances. For someone in recovery, that can bring up real hope and real caution at the same time. […]

Semaglutide has become known for treating type 2 diabetes and supporting weight management. Now, researchers are asking a different question: could it also help reduce alcohol cravings? For someone struggling with alcohol use, that question can feel personal. Cravings can be loud, distracting, and hard to explain. They can show up after a stressful day, […]

Sports betting has changed quickly. What once required a casino, sportsbook, or private betting arrangement is now available from a phone, often within seconds. For many people, betting on a game stays occasional and recreational. But for others, especially when betting becomes frequent, secretive, emotional, or hard to stop, it can become a serious behavioral […]

Learn why co-occurring disorders—addiction and mental health—are so common, how they interact, and why treating both is key to recovery.

For anyone who doesn’t have a family member, colleague, or close friend who has served in the military, sometimes the only window into the unique challenges of a soldier’s life is from a big-budget blockbuster like 1917, Saving Private Ryan, or Platoon — or more detailed accounts found on the small screen, such as the miniseries Band of Brothers or The Pacific.

The common thread in all these stories? Deployments are stressful and, not surprisingly, they take a serious toll on your body, mind, and the relationships that matter most. As a result, many service members develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse, depression, and alcohol misuse, which can follow them into retirement and provide a new set of challenges.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (often called GLP-1s) are best known for their role in diabetes and weight management. More recently, they have drawn attention for their potential impact on cravings, impulse control, and compulsive behaviors. At The Meadows, we are committed to responsible innovation and are carefully exploring this emerging area. GLP-1s are not intended for […]

Alcohol addiction doesn’t always look the way people expect. Some firefighters keep showing up to work, doing their job well, and handling responsibilities without obvious issues. From the outside, everything can seem normal. At home, though, it may be a different story. Mood changes, distance, and reliance on alcohol to unwind can start to show […]