The White Lotus series on HBO captivates audiences with its satirical commentary, intricate character dynamics, and luxurious settings, yet one subtle but powerful theme is often overlooked—addiction. This HBO series highlights a character’s struggles with drug dependency and addiction, particularly lorazepam (Ativan). Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine usually prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, that carries a high risk of abuse, dependence, and addiction.
The Role of Lorazepam in The White Lotus Series
The White Lotus is a masterful blend of social commentary and satire, peeling back the layers of privilege, wealth, and human weaknesses. In the first couple of episodes, actress Parker Posey plays Victoria Ratliff, a wealthy American woman with what may seem a dependence on lorazepam, which is an addictive benzodiazepine. This character portrays the recreational use of prescription medications and how drug addiction is often overlooked among the rich and elite.
Unlike the portrayals of illicit drug use or heavy alcohol consumption, the abuse of anti-anxiety medications underscores a more discreet form of substance abuse and addiction. The White Lotus characters misuse prescription drugs like lorazepam, which is demonstrating how anxiety disorders are numbed rather than treated. Additionally, this character combines alcohol consumption with the benzodiazepine medication, which can have harmful interactions.
Understanding Lorazepam and Benzodiazepines
Lorazepam, also known as Ativan and Loreev XR, is a common prescription medication used to treat anxiety disorders, anxiety-related insomnia, status epilepticus, and sleep disorders. As a benzodiazepine, lorazepam is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, producing effects such as:
- Drowsiness
- Relaxation
- Sense of calm
- Sleepiness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Impaired motor skills
While Ativan and other prescription benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin, are widely prescribed, they still have a significant risk of abuse, misuse, and dependence. Benzodiazepines can offer a safe and effective solution for managing anxiety-related symptoms, but can quickly lead to addiction when misused or developing a dependence.
Signs of Lorazepam Dependence and Addiction
Lorazepam slows down the central nervous system (CNS) and brain activity by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This produces the calming effects of benzodiazepines, making them highly effective for anxiety disorders and insomnia.
Ativan is prescribed for short-term relief and treatment, due to its high risk of misuse and dependency. Chronic use of benzos can lead to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same relaxing and calming effects. Developing a high tolerance to substances can be very dangerous, leading to short and long-term health risks like substance use disorder (SUD).
The signs of benzodiazepine dependence and addiction include:
- Increased tolerance requiring higher doses
- Using the medication outside of its prescribed use
- Psychological dependence on the drug
- Persistent cravings for the substance
- Seeking multiple prescriptions or obtaining them illicitly
- Inability to stop using the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping it
Because lorazepam and other benzodiazepines are medically prescribed, many individuals do not realize their dependence until they attempt to stop taking it.
The Long-Term Risks of Benzodiazepine Abuse and Addiction
The misuse of lorazepam and other anti-anxiety medications can have serious short and long-term consequences for physical and psychological health. Certain groups are more susceptible to developing a dependency or addiction to benzodiazepines.
Individuals with a history of drug or alcohol abuse may be more likely to misuse or illicitly obtain lorazepam and other benzos. Someone who is using lorazepam for extended periods to treat specific conditions is at a higher risk of tolerance development and dependence. People with high-stress lifestyles, like Victoria in The White Lotus, may rely on anti-anxiety medications for daily functioning, further increasing addiction risk.
Cognitive Impairment and Memory Loss
Long-term use of benzodiazepines can contribute to cognitive decline, memory impairments, trouble concentrating, and reduced decision-making abilities. Lorazepam temporarily blocks the ability to form new memories, known as benzodiazepine-induced anterograde amnesia. Studies show that chronic use of lorazepam and other prescription benzodiazepines, especially in the elderly, can heighten the risk of dementia and other neurological complications.
Adverse Drug Interactions
When taking lorazepam and other prescription benzodiazepines, the use of other central nervous system (CNS) depressants should be avoided. Lorazepam interacts with other drugs, such as sedatives, hypnotics, opioids, muscle relaxers, and alcohol, leading to CNS depression. Co-occurring use of opioids and benzodiazepines can cause severe sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Increased Risk of Overdose
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which can cause severe respiratory depression. Lorazepam slows down brain function, and when mixed with alcohol, opioids, and other CNS depressants, this mechanism can be life-threatening. Benzodiazepine overdose symptoms may include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination
- Hypotension
- Loss of muscle control (ataxia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Decreased reflexes
- Muscle weakness
- Respiratory depression
- CNS depression
- Coma
- Death
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of lorazepam overdose, especially when combined with other substances, can be a matter of life and death.
Emotional Numbing and Depression
Individuals who misuse or have been taking benzodiazepines for an extended period may feel emotionally numb. Chronic benzodiazepine use makes it challenging for users to experience joy, sadness, or other emotions to the full extent. Long-term use of CNS depressants has been associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, actions, and attempts.
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
Stopping use of lorazepam can be challenging, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, nausea, insomnia, panic attacks, and muscle pain. Even when these medications are taken as prescribed, long-term use can still precipitate withdrawal symptoms when stopping abruptly.
When stopping lorazepam or benzodiazepines medication, consult a healthcare provider before doing so. If you are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, help is available.
Benzodiazepine Detox Programs in Stuart, FL
As shown in The White Lotus, benzodiazepines are an incredibly addictive class of drugs. Lorazepam addiction is a hidden epidemic that affects people from all walks of life, even the most elite. While it is a prescription medication, its side effects and health risk can be just as devastating as any other substance use disorder (SUD).
Recovering from lorazepam addiction and abuse requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses medical detoxification, therapy, and lifestyle changes. If you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax addiction or benzodiazepine abuse, we offer benzodiazepine detox programs in Stuart, FL. Reach out to Coastal Detox for 24/7 detox today.
References:
- People, 2025. The White Lotus Sparks Interest in Lorazepam: What to Know About the Drug — and Why You Shouldn’t Drink on It (Exclusive).
- Mayo Clinic, 2025. Lorazepam (oral route).
- StatPearls, 2024. Lorazepam.
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Benzodiazepines.
- Mayo Clinic, 2022. Drug addiction (substance use disorder).
- Cleveland Clinic, 2023. Benzodiazepines (Benzos).
- WebMD, 2024. Lorazepam (Ativan, Loreev XR) – Uses, Side Effects, and More.
- Frontiers in Psychology, 2020. The Effects of Benzodiazepine Use and Abuse on Cognition in the Elders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.
- Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2023. Benzodiazepine-induced anterograde amnesia: detrimental side effect to novel study tool.