TV Show Triggers Shocking Surge in Drug Trend

White pills beside an orange pill bottle.

Hollywood’s reckless glamorization of prescription drugs is fueling dangerous trends that put American families and values at risk.

Story Snapshot

A TV portrayal of lorazepam in HBO’s “The White Lotus” triggered a real-world surge in interest for the addictive drug.
Experts warn benzodiazepines like lorazepam are habit-forming and risky, especially when mixed with alcohol.
The spike in drug searches spotlights the urgent need for responsible media and common-sense public health safeguards.
This incident raises alarms about how unchecked media influence can undermine family stability and responsible behavior.

Media Portrayal of Prescription Drugs Spurs Risky Curiosity

In March 2025, HBO’s “The White Lotus” featured the character Victoria Ratliff using lorazepam to cope with anxiety and insomnia, often in combination with alcohol. This portrayal coincided with a dramatic spike in Google searches for lorazepam, as millions of viewers wondered how to obtain the prescription drug.

Experts point out that such glamorization of drug use can erode traditional values and promote risky behavior, especially when viewers see casual use normalized onscreen.

The show’s depiction highlights how entertainment media can drive real-world trends, often at odds with the principles of personal responsibility and family health that conservative Americans hold dear.

Medical professionals responded swiftly to the surge in interest, issuing public warnings about the dangers of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. Lorazepam, part of a class of drugs introduced in the 1960s, provides rapid relief for anxiety but carries a high risk of addiction and severe withdrawal. The risks multiply when combined with substances like alcohol, a scenario “The White Lotus” showcased without adequate caution. Such portrayals undermine the guidance of responsible doctors and encourage viewers to seek quick fixes instead of addressing root causes—a trend that runs counter to the values of self-reliance and family-centered care.

Academic Research Confirms Media’s Influence on Health Behaviors

Peer-reviewed research published in November 2025 by UC San Diego documented a measurable surge: 1.6 million more lorazepam-related Google searches than expected in a twelve-week period following the show’s release.

This data confirms a direct correlation between fictional media events and real-world public health phenomena. Researchers and medical experts agree that the glamorization of prescription drug use in entertainment can increase curiosity and potentially drive misuse, especially among vulnerable Americans.

Responsible storytelling—grounded in facts, not sensationalism—is essential to protect the public from the unintended consequences of unchecked media influence.

Historically, similar incidents have followed other controversial media portrayals, such as the opioid crisis and suicide-related searches after “13 Reasons Why.”

These trends emphasize the powerful effect that entertainment can have on behavior, especially when it conflicts with the principles of limited government and individual liberty. When Hollywood fails to portray the risks honestly, it puts families at risk and undermines the foundations of a healthy society.

Medical Experts Issue Stark Warnings About Lorazepam Use

Leading medical voices, including neuroscientist Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib and psychiatrist Dr. Varma, warn that lorazepam is extremely habit-forming and should only be used under strict medical supervision.

Daily use is strongly discouraged, and combining benzodiazepines with alcohol can result in severe cognitive and physical impairment.

The incident underscores the importance of respecting medical advice, protecting family values, and resisting the normalization of dangerous substances.

Increased drug misuse can drive up healthcare costs, strain providers, and fuel policy debates about media responsibility and drug regulation.

The “White Lotus” incident is not just an isolated case—it’s part of a broader pattern of media influence that demands scrutiny, accountability, and action from anyone who cares about the future of America.