{"id":18948,"date":"2025-04-13T18:02:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-13T17:02:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/?p=18948"},"modified":"2025-05-20T19:16:52","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T18:16:52","slug":"addiction-in-the-spotlight-the-white-lotus-and-the-global-prescription-drug-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/2025\/04\/addiction-in-the-spotlight-the-white-lotus-and-the-global-prescription-drug-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Addiction in the spotlight: \u2018The White Lotus\u2019 and the global prescription drug crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"layoutItem article-header-eng-1280\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div id=\"ArticleHeaderComponent\" class=\"ArticleHeaderEngComponent1280 selectableShareable for-print\" role=\"header\" aria-label=\"article header\">\n<div class=\"mainTitleWrapper\">\n<h1 class=\"mainTitle\"><span class=\"subTitle\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\" contenteditable=\"false\">Experts warn of rising dependence on anti-anxiety medications, which often start as short-term solutions but lead to addiction; with withdrawal posing serious risks, specialists stress need for medical oversight, alternative treatments, and early intervention<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"authorAndDateContainer  withAvatar \">\n<div class=\"authoranddate\">by\u00a0Eitan Gefen &#8211; <span class=\"infoSeparator\">17th March 2025<\/span><button class=\"shareIcon1280 more\" title=\"More\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"layoutItem article-body-english\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div id=\"ArticleBodyComponent\" class=\"ArticleBodyComponent selectableShareable for-print englishSite tbl-forkorts-article\">\n<div class=\"trinity-player-iframe-wrapper\" data-player-id=\"c00dc6d79feea5761b17ae4fcafa450f\" data-state=\"not_initialized\" data-player-type=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"textEditor_container readOnly\">\n<div class=\"DraftEditor-root DraftEditor-alignLeft\">\n<div class=\"DraftEditor-editorContainer\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftEditor-content\" contenteditable=\"false\" spellcheck=\"false\">\n<div data-contents=\"true\">\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"7quie-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"7quie-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"7quie-0-0\">Victoria Ratliff awakens in her lavish suite, the Thai sun piercing through the curtains. She blinks slowly, her head heavy. Was it too much wine again last night? Or was it the lorazepam? From the adjacent bathroom, her husband showers, oblivious to the small internal struggle playing out in her mind. The children? They lost interest in their mother long ago.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"crn26-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"crn26-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"crn26-0-0\">She closes her eyes for a moment, takes a deep breath, and imagines herself as someone else\u2014someone who doesn\u2019t need a pill to get through the day. But reality waits. As anxiety creeps in, she reaches for the bottle, pops a pill, washes it down with a sip of water, and lets the familiar calm settle in.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"minutelyPlayer\" data-min-tv-running=\"true\">\n<div class=\"editor-tv-wrapper editor-tv-active\">\n<div class=\"organic-thumbnails-oc\">\n<div class=\"trc_rbox_header trc_rbox_border_elm\"><span class=\"trc_rbox_header_span\">Top Videos<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"editor-tv-component\">\n<div id=\"minute-size-container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"en0dh-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"en0dh-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"en0dh-0-0\">In the third season of HBO\u2019s hit series <\/span><a id=\"SJqUkz3wF0Je\" title=\"\u05e0\u05e4\u05ea\u05d7 \u05d1\u05db\u05e8\u05d8\u05d9\u05e1\u05d9\u05d9\u05d4 \u05d7\u05d3\u05e9\u05d4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ynetnews.com\/culture\/article\/bjwqn11h9ye\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-equally-tooltip=\"Opens in new window\"><span data-offset-key=\"en0dh-1-0\">The White Lotus<\/span><\/a><span data-offset-key=\"en0dh-2-0\">, Victoria Ratliff grapples with a quiet addiction to lorazepam, a prescription sedative. Her character drifts through scenes in a daze, caught between sleep and wakefulness, her oversized sunglasses and bright smile masking the growing dependency beneath.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"crtpc-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"crtpc-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"crtpc-0-0\">Though fictional, Ratliff\u2019s story mirrors a harsh reality. In recent years, addiction to anti-anxiety medications such as Valium, Klonopin, and lorazepam (sold in Israel as Lorivan) has become a global concern, transcending age, class, and geography. What often starts as a &#8220;harmless pill for relaxation&#8221; can quickly spiral into dependence, making withdrawal a daunting challenge.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"taboola-mid-oc-thumbnails\" class=\"trc_related_container tbl-trecs-container trc_spotlight_widget trc_elastic trc_elastic_organic-thumbnails-oc\" data-placement-name=\"mid OC thumbnails\">\n<div class=\"trc_rbox_container\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"trc_wrapper_2305626917\" class=\"trc_rbox organic-thumbnails-oc trc-content-organic\">\n<div id=\"trc_header_2305626917\" class=\"trc_rbox_header trc_rbox_border_elm\">\n<div class=\"trc_header_ext\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"trc_rbox_header_span\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"3\">More Stories<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"outer_2305626917\" class=\"trc_rbox_outer\">\n<div id=\"rbox-t2m\" class=\"trc_rbox_div trc_rbox_border_elm\">\n<div id=\"internal_trc_2305626917\">\n<div class=\"videoCube trc_spotlight_item origin-default textItem thumbnail_top videoCube_1_child trc-first-recommendation trc-spotlight-first-recommendation trc_excludable\" data-item-id=\"~~V1~~-6028811779566746374~~_kLGEM3ncgrv7EfscS_rhA\" data-item-title=\"'Screw you!': Prime minister's son blasts Macron\u2019s Palestinian state push\" data-item-thumb=\"https:\/\/ynet-pic1.yit.co.il\/picserver6\/crop_images\/2025\/04\/13\/ryDiGqOA1g\/ryDiGqOA1g_38_0_562_316_0_large.jpg\" data-item-syndicated=\"false\">\n<div class=\"thumbBlock_holder\">\n<div class=\"videoCube_aspect\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"item-label-href\" title=\"'Screw you!': Prime minister's son blasts Macron\u2019s Palestinian state push\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ynetnews.com\/article\/skkeuzycke\" target=\"_parent\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"video-label-box trc-main-label\"><span class=\"video-label video-title trc_ellipsis\" role=\"link\">&#8216;Screw you!&#8217;: Prime minister&#8217;s son blasts Macron\u2019s Palestinian state push<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"trc_user_exclude_btn\" title=\"Remove this item\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"trc_exclude_overlay trc_fade\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"trc_exclude_undo_btn\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"videoCube trc_spotlight_item origin-default textItem thumbnail_top videoCube_2_child trc_excludable\" data-item-id=\"~~V1~~-313713329087484558~~eobzAk5eboxThKtKsb0IGg\" data-item-title=\"A taste of peace: Druze hospitality in the Golan Heights\" data-item-thumb=\"https:\/\/ynet-pic1.yit.co.il\/picserver6\/crop_images\/2025\/04\/12\/Bk4XIdPAJl\/Bk4XIdPAJl_0_43_626_353_0_large.jpg\" data-item-syndicated=\"false\">\n<div class=\"thumbBlock_holder\">\n<div class=\"videoCube_aspect\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"item-label-href\" title=\"A taste of peace: Druze hospitality in the Golan Heights\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ynetnews.com\/article\/ryckhddakl\" target=\"_parent\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"video-label-box trc-main-label\"><span class=\"video-label video-title trc_ellipsis\" role=\"link\">A taste of peace: Druze hospitality in the Golan Heights<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"trc_user_exclude_btn\" title=\"Remove this item\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"trc_exclude_overlay trc_fade\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"trc_exclude_undo_btn\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"videoCube trc_spotlight_item origin-default textItem thumbnail_top videoCube_3_child trc_excludable\" data-item-id=\"~~V1~~5091068032606556323~~u_HchC7mUOf7yjyPxAK9mw\" data-item-title=\"We met in a Gaza hospital, bleeding souls\u2014we are twins | The story of Romi and Emily\" data-item-thumb=\"https:\/\/ynet-pic1.yit.co.il\/picserver6\/crop_images\/2025\/04\/09\/rygez6BnXAJg\/rygez6BnXAJg_0_24_1280_721_0_large.jpg\" data-item-syndicated=\"false\">\n<div class=\"thumbBlock_holder\">\n<div class=\"videoCube_aspect\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"item-label-href\" title=\"We met in a Gaza hospital, bleeding souls\u2014we are twins | The story of Romi and Emily\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ynetnews.com\/magazine\/article\/ryagqw00r1x\" target=\"_parent\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"video-label-box trc-main-label\"><span class=\"video-label video-title trc_ellipsis\" role=\"link\">We met in a Gaza hospital, bleeding souls\u2014we are twins | The story of Romi and Emily<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"trc_user_exclude_btn\" title=\"Remove this item\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"trc_exclude_overlay trc_fade\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"trc_exclude_undo_btn\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"trc_clearer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"2htn0-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"2htn0-0-0\">A growing crisis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"49epn-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"49epn-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"49epn-0-0\">The rise in prescription drug dependency highlights an alarming trend: an increasing reliance on <\/span><a id=\"r1jIyz2wtC1g\" title=\"\u05e0\u05e4\u05ea\u05d7 \u05d1\u05db\u05e8\u05d8\u05d9\u05e1\u05d9\u05d9\u05d4 \u05d7\u05d3\u05e9\u05d4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ynetnews.com\/health_science\/article\/bj2hz4liye\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-equally-tooltip=\"Opens in new window\"><span data-offset-key=\"49epn-1-0\">medications<\/span><\/a><span data-offset-key=\"49epn-2-0\"> to manage daily stressors. What begins as a short-term solution can become a chemical prison with devastating effects on mental and physical health. Why is quitting so difficult? How do people get hooked in the first place? And what can be done before the pills take over?<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"Taboola-inline-video\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"3qb5-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"3qb5-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"3qb5-0-0\">Dr. Chen Avni, a psychiatrist and deputy director of the psychiatric day treatment department at Ramat Hen Mental Health Center in Tel Aviv, explains that these medications belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. &#8220;They enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. In low doses, they induce relaxation, but in higher doses, they can cause drowsiness, memory impairment, confusion, and loss of balance.&#8221;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"b9tfc-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"b9tfc-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"b9tfc-0-0\">While the effects are similar to alcohol, benzodiazepines lack the intoxicating high. However, prolonged use can lead to cognitive impairment, decreased alertness, and, in elderly patients, an increased risk of dangerous falls.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"a1al7-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"a1al7-0-0\">From medical use to dependence<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"cgtgf-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"cgtgf-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"cgtgf-0-0\">According to Avni, addiction often develops when usage extends beyond the prescribed timeframe. &#8220;Initially, these medications are intended for short-term relief\u2014typically no more than six weeks,&#8221; he says. &#8220;The problem arises when patients feel they can\u2019t function without them. That\u2019s when we see cases of dependency, sometimes at alarmingly high doses.&#8221;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"b89et-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"b89et-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"b89et-0-0\">Shahar Cohen, a clinical social worker specializing in addiction treatment, has seen this trend intensify. &#8220;Anxiety levels across the population have been rising, especially in the past year and a half,&#8221; she says. &#8220;This isn\u2019t just an individual issue\u2014it affects families, workplaces, and entire communities.&#8221;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"2ptkd-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"2ptkd-0-0\"><a id=\"r1nUyG2vFCJg\" title=\"\u05e0\u05e4\u05ea\u05d7 \u05d1\u05db\u05e8\u05d8\u05d9\u05e1\u05d9\u05d9\u05d4 \u05d7\u05d3\u05e9\u05d4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ynetnews.com\/health_science\/article\/bj2hz4liye\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-equally-tooltip=\"Opens in new window\"><span data-offset-key=\"2ptkd-0-0\">Prescription drug addiction<\/span><\/a><span data-offset-key=\"2ptkd-1-0\"> cuts across all demographics. Some users first receive medication for legitimate issues like insomnia or acute anxiety. Others turn to them following major life stressors such as job loss, divorce, or a child&#8217;s military enlistment. In many cases, what starts as a doctor-prescribed solution escalates into self-medication, leading to dependency.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"osn-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"osn-0-0\">A dangerous market<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"28nie-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"28nie-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"28nie-0-0\">For many, obtaining benzodiazepines legally isn\u2019t enough. &#8220;One former patient of mine was using 16 times the recommended dose,&#8221; Avni recalls. &#8220;He bought part of his supply through his healthcare provider and the rest on the black market.&#8221;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"2nj8l-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"2nj8l-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"2nj8l-0-0\">This underground trade of prescription medication underscores a major challenge: when patients become addicted, they will go to great lengths to maintain their supply. &#8220;People often don\u2019t realize they\u2019re dependent until it\u2019s too late,&#8221; Cohen warns. &#8220;When the thought of being without the drug becomes unbearable, that\u2019s a red flag.&#8221;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"ekbuj-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"ekbuj-0-0\">Breaking free from addiction<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"1oku7-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"1oku7-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"1oku7-0-0\">Experts emphasize that addiction must be treated holistically, addressing not just the physical dependency but also the underlying <\/span><a id=\"SkT8yG2vKAke\" title=\"\u05e0\u05e4\u05ea\u05d7 \u05d1\u05db\u05e8\u05d8\u05d9\u05e1\u05d9\u05d9\u05d4 \u05d7\u05d3\u05e9\u05d4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ynetnews.com\/health_science\/article\/r1ljgw11c0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-equally-tooltip=\"Opens in new window\"><span data-offset-key=\"1oku7-1-0\">emotional triggers<\/span><\/a><span data-offset-key=\"1oku7-2-0\">. &#8220;Addiction is never just about the drug,&#8221; Cohen explains. &#8220;It\u2019s often about pain\u2014whether emotional or psychological. The drug becomes a coping mechanism.&#8221;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"bvjnc-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"bvjnc-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"bvjnc-0-0\">For those struggling with benzodiazepine dependency, gradual withdrawal under medical supervision is crucial. &#8220;Abrupt discontinuation can be dangerous, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures and psychosis,&#8221; Avni cautions. &#8220;I\u2019m currently treating a patient who experienced vivid hallucinations after trying to quit cold turkey. We had to introduce a slow, controlled tapering process.&#8221;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"6q4cs-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"6q4cs-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"6q4cs-0-0\">Beyond physical detoxification, long-term recovery requires psychological support. &#8220;Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective tool, especially for sleep disorders,&#8221; Avni says. &#8220;For chronic anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, alternative psychiatric treatments that are non-addictive should be considered.&#8221;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"71a95-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"71a95-0-0\">Shifting medical practices<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"3ej3q-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"3ej3q-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"3ej3q-0-0\">Awareness around prescription drug dependency is growing, but change is slow. &#8220;There are still doctors who hesitate to confront addicted patients and continue writing prescriptions out of convenience or pressure,&#8221; Avni notes. &#8220;But every physician prescribing these drugs should recognize the long-term risks. This isn&#8217;t just a temporary fix\u2014it can become a lifelong struggle.&#8221;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"51jes-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"51jes-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"51jes-0-0\">&lt;&lt; Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play<\/span><span data-offset-key=\"51jes-0-1\">: <\/span><a id=\"HJ0U1MnvtRyx\" title=\"\u05e0\u05e4\u05ea\u05d7 \u05d1\u05db\u05e8\u05d8\u05d9\u05e1\u05d9\u05d9\u05d4 \u05d7\u05d3\u05e9\u05d4\" href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/4eJ37pE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-equally-tooltip=\"Opens in new window\"><span data-offset-key=\"51jes-1-0\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/4eJ37pE<\/span><\/a><span data-offset-key=\"51jes-2-0\"> | <\/span><span data-offset-key=\"51jes-2-1\">Apple App Store<\/span><span data-offset-key=\"51jes-2-2\">: <\/span><a id=\"B11PkGnwKRJe\" title=\"\u05e0\u05e4\u05ea\u05d7 \u05d1\u05db\u05e8\u05d8\u05d9\u05e1\u05d9\u05d9\u05d4 \u05d7\u05d3\u05e9\u05d4\" href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3ZL7iNv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-equally-tooltip=\"Opens in new window\"><span data-offset-key=\"51jes-3-0\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/3ZL7iNv<\/span><\/a><span data-offset-key=\"51jes-4-0\"> &gt;&gt;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"5tu06-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"5tu06-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"5tu06-0-0\">The Israeli Health Ministry is currently working on <\/span><a id=\"rJxwyz2DK0Je\" title=\"\u05e0\u05e4\u05ea\u05d7 \u05d1\u05db\u05e8\u05d8\u05d9\u05e1\u05d9\u05d9\u05d4 \u05d7\u05d3\u05e9\u05d4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ynetnews.com\/health_science\/article\/bjth2nhxh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-equally-tooltip=\"Opens in new window\"><span data-offset-key=\"5tu06-1-0\">reforms<\/span><\/a><span data-offset-key=\"5tu06-2-0\"> to address prescription drug addiction, including establishing specialized treatment clinics within health maintenance organizations (HMOs). These initiatives aim to provide better oversight, education, and intervention before patients spiral into dependency.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"d1p3k-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"d1p3k-0-0\">The need for early intervention<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"ae0v1-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"ae0v1-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"ae0v1-0-0\">Ultimately, the best way to combat prescription drug addiction is prevention. &#8220;It\u2019s crucial to start with the lowest effective dose and treat the root cause of the anxiety, insomnia, or distress,&#8221; Avni advises. &#8220;No one is immune to addiction. The key is to monitor usage, avoid increasing dosages without medical guidance, and seek alternative therapies when possible.&#8221;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"e8a1a-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"e8a1a-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"e8a1a-0-0\">Cohen echoes this sentiment. &#8220;Science still can\u2019t predict who will become addicted and who won\u2019t, so awareness is critical,&#8221; she says. &#8220;If you suspect dependence\u2014whether in yourself or someone close to you\u2014don\u2019t ignore it. Seeking help early can make all the difference.&#8221;<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text_editor_paragraph ltr\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"2eb5\" data-offset-key=\"fltml-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"fltml-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"fltml-0-0\">Victoria Ratliff\u2019s story may be fictional, but the crisis it highlights is very real. For countless individuals, the journey from prescription to addiction is deceptively short. The challenge now is ensuring that those in need receive the right treatment\u2014before their escape becomes their prison.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Experts warn of rising dependence on anti-anxiety medications, which often start as short-term solutions but lead to addiction; with withdrawal posing serious risks, specialists stress need for medical oversight, alternative treatments, and early intervention by\u00a0Eitan Gefen &#8211; 17th March 2025 Victoria Ratliff awakens in her lavish suite, the Thai sun piercing through the curtains. She [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[73,68,120,20,86,40,101,36],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-addiction","category-drug-use-various-effects","category-mental-health","category-others","category-prescription-drugs","category-prevention-research","category-psychiatric-drugs","category-treatment-addiction"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18948","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18948"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18948\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18948"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18948"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18948"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}