Life with an anxiety disorder can be harrowing and exhausting. Not just for the person suffering the symptoms. Their loved ones, colleagues, and coworkers are also invested. They are affected by anxiety too and their concern for the anxiety sufferer. Benzodiazepines have been prescribed for anxiety for more than 40 years and they are effective — but their use comes with some serious risks.

This Atlanta Detox article is about managing anxiety without relying on benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin. 

“But Nothing Else Works For Me, I Need My Xanax”

This is a statement we’ve heard many times. In some cases, it may be true. We want to put your mind at ease first, by telling you that no one wants to see your anxiety symptoms go untreated. No one deserves to suffer from anxiety or panic attacks. You are entitled to relief. 

We’re not here to take anything away from you. On the contrary. We are healers. We want to help. The fact is that benzodiazepines are effective at treating anxiety symptoms. There is no doubt about it. The trouble is that benzos like Xanax and Klonopin also create dependence. Even if you take them exactly as prescribed — sooner or later, if you take them regularly (daily or almost every day) you will become dependent on them.

What this means is that, if you don’t take them, you may experience rebound anxiety that’s worse than the symptoms that led you to seek treatment in the first place, you may also experience potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Finally, there is the risk of tolerance. After years of taking a benzo for anxiety, you may find you need to increase your dose to get the same relief as before.

The risks of long-term benzodiazepine use for anxiety include:

• Physical dependence on the medicine — even if taken exactly as prescribed.
• Rebound anxiety or dangerous withdrawal symptoms if you do not take the medication.
• Tolerance develops over time which requires you to keep raising your dose.
• Misuse due to tolerance or a substance use disorder. 

How Can You Treat Anxiety Without Benzodiazepines?

Some people are understandably skeptical about treating their anxiety symptoms with anything other than benzodiazepines. We get it. Anxiety is a huge burden and it has a definite negative impact on your quality of life. No one wants to put up with it. If you have been taking Valium, Klonopin, or Xanax for anxiety for years and it seems to be working, why would you want to change?

The fact that you’re reading this article suggests that something about the benzos you or a loved one are taking isn’t sitting well with you. The truth is that while benzos are effective for anxiety, they aren’t really intended for long-term daily use. Anyone who takes a benzodiazepine every day or almost every day for several years is going to face some consequences 

Never Stop Taking a Benzodiazepine Without Medical Advice

Before we move on — this is a very important point we cannot emphasize enough. Whether you are prescribed benzodiazepines or take them illicitly. Whether you take them every single day or a few times a week — you must NEVER abruptly stop taking them or drop your dosage suddenly without speaking to a qualified medical professional about it first.

We say this not to alarm or worry you but for your safety and comfort. We are not being dramatic for effect here. It is a fact that there are three categories of medicines that have potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms. They are alcohol, barbituates, and benzodiazepines. You can get off of benzos if you choose. But it must be done under controlled conditions. Either in a medical detox or titration with a doctor’s guidance. Don’t take any unnecessary risks — do it the right way. 

Never stop taking a benzodiazepine without medical advice because:

• You will likely get unpleasant rebound anxiety, at the minimum.
• It will probably disrupt your sleep and cause insomnia.
• The withdrawal effects can be dangerous and even deadly.
• A medical detox or titration under a doctor’s supervision is the safe way. 

Safer Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety

Once you have safely detoxed off of benzodiazepines — or before you begin taking them, you may want to consider some of the effective alternatives to benzos for treating anxiety. Every suggestion on this list has been vetted and clinically proven to be effective in relieving the symptoms of anxiety. Talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about which one(s) might be best for you. 

Antidepressants (SSRIs, SSNRIs and NDRIs) 

These include medications like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and bupropion (Wellbutrin). These medicines affect brain chemistry to enhance mood and relieve anxiety. Unlike benzodiazepines though, they are non-narcotic and non-addictive. They also won’t result in tolerance.

Beta Blockers

Beta-Blockers: Propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) can help manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, shaking, trembling, and blushing. Depending on the type of anxiety you have, beta-blockers could be helpful to you. 

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) 

This is an antihistamine that’s used to treat anxiety and tension. It’s also used to treat allergic reactions. It cannot be taken every day or it will begin to lose some effectiveness, but if used a couple of times a week or less it’s quite effective, non-narcotic, and safe for people in recovery. 

Buspirone (BuSpar)

This medication is used to treat chronic anxiety and works by increasing serotonin and decreasing dopamine in the brain to help balance mood. Also non-narcotic and not addictive.

Trazodone

This is primarily used to treat depression, but it can also be used for anxiety due to its sedative properties. Trazodone is non-narcotic and can also help with insomnia. The disadvantage is that its drowsiness effect may make it inappropriate for daytime use for some people. 

Over-The-Counter Alternatives

Some herbal, over-the-counter remedies like valerian root and St. John’s Wort have clinically proven benefits for anxiety. Just make sure you talk to your doctor before taking anything like this because they can interfere and interact with prescribed medications.

Non-Drug Alternatives

A tablet or a capsule isn’t your only option. Transcendental Meditation (T.M.) and other forms of mantra meditation, rhythmic breathing, yoga, prayer, and other practices also have been proven to significantly reduce anxiety symptoms when practiced regularly. Best of all, there is no concern about drug interactions — so there’s no reason you couldn’t combine medication and meditation for a synergistic effect. 

Atlanta Detox Center is Here To Help

Atlanta Detox Center is Georgia’s premier drug detox program and treatment center. If you or someone you care about is battling anxiety and/or dependent on benzodiazepines like Xanax or Klonopin — we are here to help.

We offer a safe and comfortable medical detox off benzos and comprehensive dual-diagnosis substance use disorder treatment for afterward. We can not only help you leave the benzos behind — we can also help you find a healthier, more sustainable way to manage your anxiety disorder.  

You and the people you care for deserve the Atlanta Detox Center brand of care. Give us a call at 844-658-0927 to begin living better today.