The Drug That Took Away More Than Her Appetite

A recent New York Times guest essay spotlights a growing body of evidence that GLP-1 medications—such as those used for diabetes and weight loss—may also hold transformative potential in treating substance use disorders.

The piece follows Jessica Massarone, a woman who spent years cycling through addiction, treatment, and relapse, until she began taking a GLP-1 medication through a pilot program supported by the nonprofit CASPR. Since starting the medication, Jessica has sustained 17 months of recovery and experienced significantly reduced cravings—even in high-risk situations that previously led to relapse.

Caron’s Medical Director, Dr. Steven Klein, who also prescribes GLP-1s within Caron’s treatment programs, is a central voice in the article. He underscores that patients in both well-resourced private settings and in vulnerable populations—such as those experiencing homelessness or incarceration—are reporting similar outcomes: improved control over cravings and greater emotional stability. As one patient told him, “I feel like my brain listens to me now.”

While the GLP-1 class of medications is not yet FDA-approved for addiction treatment, Caron is at the forefront of exploring their clinical application. Our commitment to evidence-based care and medical innovation drives us to examine every tool that could help individuals achieve long-term recovery.

At Caron, we believe that groundbreaking treatments should be available to all who need them—not just those with financial means. We join the call for expanded research, funding, and insurance coverage for GLP-1s as a potential new frontier in addiction medicine.

Read the New York Times article here: The Drug That Took Away More Than Her Appetite