A new Israeli technology used at Rambam Hospital helped free a man from dependence on painkillers

June 26, 2026 - 13:00

A medical team at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa has successfully used a novel Israeli technology to free a patient from severe opioid dependence. The man, who had been consuming roughly 130 painkiller pills each day, underwent a procedure that helped him stop the addiction in just 20 minutes.

The treatment relies on a new device that delivers targeted electrical stimulation to specific nerve pathways. Unlike traditional detox methods that can take weeks and involve intense withdrawal symptoms, this approach aims to reset the brain's pain response almost instantly. Doctors at Rambam say the patient had been trapped in a cycle of escalating doses, unable to function without the pills. After the short procedure, he reported immediate relief from both pain and the compulsion to take more medication.

This marks one of the first clinical applications of the technology, which was developed by an Israeli startup. The hospital's pain management unit has been exploring non-pharmacological solutions to the growing crisis of prescription drug abuse. While the results are promising, specialists caution that more studies are needed to confirm long-term effectiveness. For now, the patient is being monitored and has shown no signs of relapse. The success offers a potential lifeline for millions worldwide who struggle with chronic pain and addiction.