To explain, restorative sleep balances brain function, thereby improving function and reducing anxiety. Lifestyle modifications include things like prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and exercise.Ĭonfidential Form | Mental Health Screening | Substance Abuse Assessment While lifestyle changes for anxiety may not be enough to treat severe anxiety disorders, they will always support other methods of anxiety treatments. Lifestyle adjustments are tried and true methods to address chronic anxiety. Some alternatives to Xanax and other benzos for anxiety treatment include lifestyle changes, non-benzo prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, and psychotherapy. However, as awareness of benzo addiction becomes more commonplace, substitutes for anxiety treatment are being considered more often. Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for AnxietyĪnxiety disorders are treatable. The withdrawals from benzodiazepines can be uncomfortable and dangerous, underscoring the importance of alternatives to benzodiazepines for anxiety. Once a person is dependent, benzo withdrawals and potential rebound symptoms will occur if the medication is suddenly stopped. This is due to the risk of side effects and benzo dependency, which can occur in as little as a few weeks to a month of regular use. Ultimately, benzodiazepines are most suitable for short-term use. Common benzos include Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and Klonopin (clonazepam ), to name a few. Benzodiazepines treat anxiety disorders by increasing the effects of GABA, a natural chemical in the brain that regulates the activity in the brain that causes anxiety. They are central nervous system depressants, similar to alcohol, but are only available by prescription in the U. Help for Anxiety, Mental Health, and Substance Use Disorders in Ohioīenzos are medications that slow down the body’s messaging system producing a relaxed or sedated effect.Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety.

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