Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Other therapeutic protocols at Alternative to Meds can reduce anxiety significantly, such as yoga, meditation, and practicing mindfulness, massage therapy, and acupuncture. Please explore more about them on our services overview page, including IV + NAD, nebulized glutathione, art therapy, neurotransmitter rehabilitation, and many others. Your treatment team, professionals in their field, will customize your program uniquely for you. In a 2011 study, researchers hypothesized that applying essential oil to the skin would alleviate anxiety and/or depression.
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Many Xanax users report significant sedative and hypnotic effects, thereby helping alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension. In summary, natural alternatives offer a multifaceted approach to handling anxiety and stress. Deep breathing also lowers levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone in the body, which then leads to reduced anxiety (64).
Lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing short-term anxiety or stress. The combination of fresh air, sunlight, and physical movement is a potent recipe for reducing anxiety and boosting overall well-being. So the next time you’re feeling down, take a walk at the beach or run in the woods and discover nature’s way of calming the mind and soothing the soul. Similarly, journaling offers a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings, serving as a therapeutic tool to explore emotions, reflect on experiences, and track progress over time. Both activities encourage mindfulness and can significantly reduce anxiety levels when practiced regularly. Some brave souls will try to go “cold turkey,” kicking the habit without medical assistance.
Deep breathing exercises, sometimes referred to as diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing, have been practiced across various cultures and traditions as a method to calm the mind. Meditation is personally one of my favorite daily activities to maintain optimal brain function and mental health. Like physical exercise, the benefits of meditation are often most pronounced with regular and consistent practice.
Theanine also increases the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. These neurotransmitters play a pivotal role in relaxation, mood regulation, and overall brain function (39). Some participants in these studies experienced a reduction in anxiety comparable to certain psychiatric drugs (29).
But if you’re struggling with chronic stress and anxiety, I wouldn’t recommend high doses of caffeine. Keep in mind that individuals metabolize caffeine at different rates and have varying thresholds for its effects. Some people might be particularly sensitive to caffeine and experience heightened anxiety even with small amounts. natural xanax Regular exercise can help regulate and reduce the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, promoting a more balanced emotional state (69). While they’re not an exact substitute for medications like Xanax, they can still be a potent tool in managing your anxiety and stress.
The Passionflower treatment was considered slightly advantageous over the benzodiazepine because it didn’t result in any form of cognitive impairment. Many people practice yoga to improve their flexibility and tone their body. Consistently practicing yoga is regarded as healthy for the body as well as the mind.
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The information in this article is for education and informational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away. It’s important to note that although SSRIs are not habit-forming in the traditional sense, they do require careful management. It’s essential to take SSRIs exactly as prescribed by a health-care professional, like a psychiatrist, and to follow their guidance regarding dosage adjustments, tapering, and discontinuation. Besides these side effects, one of the main downsides of Xanax is that it can be habit-forming. If you take it as directed, the chance of becoming addicted is very low.
Side Effects Of Xanax Use
- If you aren’t familiar with it, Xanax is used to treat a variety of panic and anxiety disorders.
- Are you feeling stressed out and looking for natural alternatives to Xanax for anxiety?
- The vast majority of these alternatives have been proven to not only have terrific efficacy but also a scarcity of major side effects.
- Deep breathing also lowers levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone in the body, which then leads to reduced anxiety (64).
- It’s not fully understood how benzodiazepines work, but it’s widely agreed that they enhance the activity of the brain chemical GABA.
Serotonin promotes physical and mental relaxation and provides relief from stress and anxiety. Spring Hill Recovery Center provides residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. However, some conditions may require treatment beyond our capabilities, and we reserve the right to medically discharge a patient for a higher level of mental health care. Natural treatments can range from movement therapy to herbal supplements.
Brahmi also possesses the medicinal potential to improve your memory, attention span, and focus. The soothing effects of Chamomile could be attributed to the presence of compounds in it, such as quinones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Experiencing a Xanax addiction is challenging, and it may feel overwhelming to consider switching from Xanax to an alternative on your own. Some people find individual therapy to be the most helpful, while others prefer group or family therapy. Melatonin is a hormone that the brain uses to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. One safer long-term alternative to Xanax is trazodone, an SARI antidepressant that does not have the addictive qualities that Xanax does.
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By Xanax alternatives, we are not suggesting we help you find a “better” drug. In contrast, what we specialize in is matching a patient’s profile with the most effective non-pharmaceutical means to resolve symptoms. For most patients, Talkiatry treatment is just as effective as in-person psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association, 2021), and much more convenient. That said, we don’t currently provide treatment for schizophrenia, primary eating disorder treatment, or Medication Assisted Treatment for substance use disorders. In your brain, there are communication centers called neurons that send messages to each other using chemicals called neurotransmitters.
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Psychiatrists are doctors who have specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions through medication management. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or similar, a psychiatrist may be a good place to start. Are you tired of feeling tethered to anxiety, but concerned about the potential pitfalls of relying on Xanax? Many people seek alternatives to Xanax, because they’re worried about its habit-forming nature, which can be a real concern for some people. Xanax is a commonly prescribed psychiatric medication that can be safe and effective when used as directed by a doctor. But does come with a risk of misuse and serious drawbacks that can put your health at risk, which is why some prefer not to prescribe it.
What About GABA as an Alternative to Xanax?
If one is already on a prescribed benzodiazepine that a person wants to stop taking, alternatives can be used to support health before, during and after the reduction of dosage. Gradual reduction is the recommended and most reliable route to recovery. If your treatment plan includes medication, your psychiatrist will prescribe and manage it.
Additionally, these treatments may interact with other medications or health conditions and could be harmful to you. It’s crucial to consult with a health-care professional before starting any holistic treatment. As the name implies, antidepressants are designed to treat depression, but they can be effective against anxiety as well.