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Alprazolam Alternatives

This entry was posted in Benzodiazepine and tagged on by .
Medically Reviewed Fact Checked

Last Updated on August 11, 2023 by Diane Ridaeus

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr Samuel Lee MD

We find it alarming that so many medical professionals prescribe this benzo without apparent thought or discussion about alprazolam alternatives beforehand. Users of alprazolam (Xanax) should be, but may not have been made aware of potential reactions and the drug’s high addictive potential before beginning a course of treatment.6

Drug-free alprazolam alternatives and treatment protocols can be customized to the individual and carried out strategically, exactly, and compassionately without the liabilities that often accompany medication– not to mention the extra liability that the actual underlying problems, overlooked, may continue to worsen.   

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Require Alprazolam?


successful alprazolam alternatives
Alternative to Meds has been the expert on benzodiazepine alternatives for over 17 years. We have published evidence regarding the tremendous success of our clients. Some people can indeed come off of benzodiazepines easier than others. However, we have seen those who become burdened by neurotoxic drug reactions. The body, the CNS, and the brain can go into an overdrive condition from which there is seemingly no relief. We have found that cleaning up the toxic burden in the body will promote improved neurochemistry function. Healing, as a natural outcome, follows. Each person carries different circumstances and needs, and programming must fit those unique requirements.
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You probably already know the horrors of this drug. Benzodiazepines are typically more difficult to withdraw from than heroin. And, trying to live life on benzos can escalate into an overwhelming situation.
Please watch the videos you see here or call us to get hope about your situation.

Alprazolam Alternatives Expertise

Benzo discontinuation if it means only coming off the drug, is generally not going to be enough to return to a healthy state … because without them you probably feel no end to your misery. Specializing in this patient population and our long track record of success has provided us with the expertise most needed on this matter.

Alternative to Meds Center has designed expert techniques for alprazolam alternatives treatment that allows individuals to slowly come off of alprazolam while implementing safe, holistic, and effective replacement therapies and natural medicines. Our goal is to deliver long-term relief and success for our residents. We realize that our residents have been through enough and we aim to make the process of getting off alprazolam as simple, comfortable, and straightforward as possible. We present alprazolam alternatives that are based on immediate symptom relief and correcting the underlying causes of symptoms.

Natural Alprazolam Alternatives

Natural Alprazolam Alternatives include:
  • evidence-based alprazolam alternativesToxic accumulations can be gently purged, resulting in symptom relief.7,8,9,10,21,24,28
  • Clean preferably organic diet to avoid neurotoxic preservatives and additives.2,10,11
  • Testing and correction of nutritional deficiencies.13
  • Supplements such as passionflower, kava, or 5-HTP may aid in insomnia, and anxiety, with comparable efficacy to medications.14,15,16,17,20,26,27
  • Stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to psychiatric symptoms like anxiety and depression.3,4
  • Learn stress-relief techniques and physical exercises that can be used anywhere, at any time. Voluntary exercise increases neurogenesis.18,19,29
  • CBT, DBT, and other forms of counseling can lower stress and buffer against triggers.1,22

*Individual CBT counseling was found to be highly effective compared to numerous other therapies according to Kaczkurkin & Foa’s 2015 study and review, in treating anxiety, panic disorders, OCD, PTSD, and other unwanted conditions.1

Alternative to Meds Center Specializes in Integrative, Holistic Therapies

sedona drug rehab holistic therapiesAlprazolam alternative medicine includes the use of orthomolecular supplements 20 for specific use and purpose. Low-temperature sauna therapy, colon hydrotherapy, and other methods cleanse the body of unwanted toxins and drug residues and can help many health conditions.9,10,21,24,28

CBT and other individual or group counseling can help residents work through this transition and triumph over personal challenges.1,22 Art therapy, peer support, massage, acupuncture, Equine-assisted therapy nebulized glutathione, and other proprietary processes are also available to Alternative to Meds Center clients as part of an individual recovery program. Alternative to Meds Center provides orthomolecular nutritional and dietary therapy and the use of natural substances to support stable brain chemistry.2 Lab testing allows any deficiencies, levels of toxicity, or other imbalances to become visible. With investigative techniques such as lab testing and thorough patient assessment, we can more easily identify the source of anxiety, inability to sleep, panic attacks, and other problematic symptoms.

In a warm and inviting inpatient setting, we customize each person’s treatment plan to fit their needs and health goals. Individualized alprazolam alternatives treatment includes counseling, corrective nutritional regimens, body detoxification/sauna therapy, exercise, life coaching, medication discontinuation under medical supervision, and neurochemistry stabilization, including IV and NAD therapy. We are an all-natural, gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO-free facility; our chef serves fresh, wholesome, delicious meals and snacks throughout the day.

Alternative to Meds Center Offers Individual Treatment Programs

One of the things that set us apart from other treatment centers is that we do not seek to replace one medication with another. We focus on allowing residents to safely reduce or eliminate the use of medication for the rest of their life. We undo the damage that medications such as alprazolam can cause, and attempt to neutralize or reverse toxicity or imbalances that likely contributed to the use of medication. individualized treatment sedona drug rehabGetting into a habit of eating healthy, exercising, taking personalized supplements, counseling, regular cleansing of the body, and getting enough sleep each night can make a huge impact on the way we feel. These sorts of alprazolam alternatives offer real relief and real improvements.

On top of all of the scientific ways of combating anxiety and medically supervised methods of safe alprazolam discontinuation, we have found that simple, relaxing techniques have profound effects. Therefore, we provide yoga, massage, acupuncture, art therapy, trainer-led exercise, and other adjunctive treatments that make staying with us that much more enjoyable and comfortable. You can view a comprehensive list of our services overview for more information.

Although benzodiazepines like alprazolam are given to fight anxiety and help a person sleep, these drugs often end up doing the opposite. Benzodiazepines are notorious for leading to more complications than perceived benefits. In order to understand why this medication could cause problems or be inefficient, the underlying causes of anxiety need to be looked at when considering alprazolam alternative therapies.

Neurotoxins and toxins collect in our bodies throughout our lifetimes, typically producing the effect of an overstimulated nervous system. These toxins include heavy metals, aspartame, mycotoxins from mold, and thousands of other chemicals present in processed food, hygiene products, and cleaning products. A demanding workplace, a failing marriage, and other stress, when added to internal toxicity, can be too much. Toxins can substantially affect the endocrine system and lead to hormonal imbalance, adrenal burnout, and cortisol elevation. This is often where an individual is when their prescriber has recommended a benzodiazepine.

Resolving Toxic Issues Provides Support for Neurochemistry

In most cases of anxiety we’ve seen at Alternative to Meds Center, we discover an accumulation of heavy metals or other neurotoxins that are overstimulating the nervous system. Our approach utilizes effective alternatives to alprazolam and other benzodiazepines, which include careful medication cessation, and resolve neurotoxicityneurochemical rebalancing through supplementation and other support. We also ensure the safe removal of neurotoxins that are present in the body from medication and from environmental exposures and have a comprehensive cleansing protocol that is very popular with clients. IV treatments and nebulized glutathione treatments are additional key components of recovery. Personal counseling, co-occurring disorders treatment, and programs of peer support provide a safe passage through the transition. There is also a wide range of adjunctive therapies designed to promote relaxation and other benefits including massage, acupuncture, yoga, Qigong, equine therapy, art therapy, and many other natural mental health strategies that are effective alprazolam alternatives.5

Do you feel like you have tried every possible way of eliminating your anxiety, and nothing has worked? Have you attempted to get off alprazolam just to discover painful discontinuation symptoms? Do you think your nervous system could be overstimulated by toxins? Has your lifestyle become neglectful of exercise and exposure to natural sunlight? Does unresolved past trauma keep you up at night, or ruminating during the day?

For most people, abruptly stopping alprazolam (Xanax) will not truly relieve their problems as lingering symptoms can persist for months or years if left untreated, even though the medication has been stopped. It is a combination of drug neurotoxicity and the underlying problems that all together keep this vicious cycle ongoing. 

Alternative Treatment for Alprazolam Available Now

Our Motto is Long-term Success!

Clients can find lasting relief within a thorough recovery program. You can view the services delivered in-patient at the center on our services overview pages. Find out more about neurotoxin removal, neurotransmitter rehabilitation, colon hydrotherapy, yoga, Qi Gong, acupuncture, nebulized glutathione treatments, therapeutic massage, Equine therapy, orthomolecular diet modification, IV + NAD treatments, and much more.

Teaching residents how they can successfully remain healthy and happy without medication is a fundamental element of the success of our clients. We invite you to call us for more information about what can be done to provide alprazolam alternatives help that really works for you or your loved one.

Read Our eBook on the Alternatives to Benzodiazepines


1. Kaczkurkin A, Foa E, “Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence.” Dialogues Clin Neurosci 2015 Sep; 17(3):337-346 PMID 26487814 [cited 2022 June 28]

2. Norwitz NG, Naidoo U. Nutrition as Metabolic Treatment for Anxiety. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Feb 12;12:598119. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.598119. PMID: 33643090; PMCID: PMC7907178. [cited 2022 June 28]

3. Mann D “Even Mild Dehydration May Cause Emotional, Physical Problems,” WebMD [online} 2020 Jan 12 [cited 2022 June 28]

4. Haghighatdoost F, et al., “Drinking plain water is associated with decreased risk of depression and anxiety in adults: Results from a large cross-sectional study.” World J Psychiatry 2018 Sep 20; 8(3): 88-96 PMID 30254979 [cited 2022 June 28]

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6. Juergens S. Alprazolam and diazepam: addiction potential. J Subst Abuse Treat. 1991;8(1-2):43-51. doi: 10.1016/0740-5472(91)90026-7. PMID: 2051498. [cited 2022 June 28]

7. Rea WJ, Didriksen N, Simon TR, Pan Y, Fenyves EJ, Griffiths B. Effects of toxic exposure to molds and mycotoxins in building-related illnesses. Arch Environ Health. 2003 Jul;58(7):399-405. doi: 10.1080/00039896.2003.11879140. PMID: 15143852. [cited 2022 June 28]

8. Maximino C, Araujo J, Leão LK, Grisolia AB, Oliveira KR, Lima MG, Batista Ede J, Crespo-López ME, Gouveia A Jr, Herculano AM. Possible role of serotoninergic system in the neurobehavioral impairment induced by acute methylmercury exposure in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2011 Nov-Dec;33(6):727-34. doi: 10.1016/j.ntt.2011.08.006. Epub 2011 Aug 18. PMID: 21871955. [cited 2022 June 28]

9. Nicholas J. Heyer, Diana Echeverria, Alvah C. Bittner, Jr., Federico M. Farin, Claire C. Garabedian, James S. Woods, Chronic Low-Level Mercury Exposure, BDNF Polymorphism, and Associations with Self-Reported Symptoms and Mood, Toxicological Sciences, Volume 81, Issue 2, October 2004, Pages 354–363. [cited 2022 June 28]

10. Center for Disease Control and PreventionNerve Agent and Organophosphate Pesticide Poisoning. [cited 2022 June 28]

11. Miladinovic T, Nashed MG, Singh G. Overview of Glutamatergic Dysregulation in Central Pathologies. Biomolecules. 2015;5(4):3112-3141. Published 2015 Nov 11. doi:10.3390/biom5043112. [cited 2022 June 28]

12. Environmental Working Group Report: Organic Packaged Foods Only ‘Clean’ Option for Consumers Over 2,000 Chemicals – Many Toxic – Allowed in Non-Organic Packaged Food Mar 5, 2019. [cited 2022 June 28]

13. Kris-Etherton PM, Petersen KS, Hibbeln JR, Hurley D, Kolick V, Peoples S, Rodriguez N, Woodward-Lopez G. Nutrition and behavioral health disorders: depression and anxiety. Nutr Rev. 2021 Feb 11;79(3):247-260. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa025. PMID: 32447382. [cited 2022 June 28]

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15. Natural Mental Health Calm Yourself: Balancing Excess Glutamate and GABA Deficiencies with Supplements & Herbs (part 2) by Henry Emmons, MD Jun 30, 2020 [cited 2022 June 28]

16. Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001 Oct;26(5):363-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2710.2001.00367.x. PMID: 11679026. [cited 2022 June 28]

17. Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80. PMID: 9727088. [cited 2022 June 28]

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19. Pelletier L, Shanmugasegaram S, Patten SB, Demers A. Self-management of mood and/or anxiety disorders through physical activity/exercise. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can. 2017 May;37(5):149-159. English, French. doi: 10.24095/hpcdp.37.5.03. PMID: 28493659. [cited 2022 June 28]

20. Lakhan SE, Vieira KF. Nutritional therapies for mental disorders. Nutr J. 2008 Jan 21;7:2. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-7-2. PMID: 18208598; PMCID: PMC2248201. [cited 2022 June 28]

21. Crinnion WJ. Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant- induced and other chronic health problems. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Sep;16(3):215-25. PMID: 21951023. [cited 2022 June 28]

22. “CBT Better than Medication For Treating Social Anxiety Disorder.” The Psychiatry Advisor [Internet] 2014 Sep 26 [cited 2022 June 28]

23. Sherman KJ, Ludman EJ, Cook AJ, Hawkes RJ, Roy-Byrne PP, Bentley S, Brooks MZ, Cherkin DC. Effectiveness of therapeutic massage for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Depress Anxiety. 2010 May;27(5):441-50. doi: 10.1002/da.20671. PMID: 20186971; PMCID: PMC2922919. [cited 2022 June 28]

24. Orisakwe OE. The role of lead and cadmium in psychiatry. N Am J Med Sci. 2014;6(8):370-376. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.139283. [cited 2022 June 28]

25. Pilkington K, Kirkwood G, Rampes H, Cummings M, Richardson J. Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders–a systematic literature review. Acupunct Med. 2007 Jun;25(1-2):1-10. doi: 10.1136/aim.25.1-2.1. PMID: 17641561. [cited 2022 June 28]

26. Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001 Oct;26(5):363-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2710.2001.00367.x. PMID: 11679026. [cited 2022 June 28]

27. Savage KM, Stough CK, Byrne GJ, et al. Kava for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (K-GAD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials. 2015;16:493. Published 2015 Nov 2. doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0986-5. [cited 2022 June 28]

28. Hosseinzadeh ST, Poorsaadati S, Radkani B, Forootan M. Psychological disorders in patients with chronic constipationGastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2011;4(3):159-163. [cited 2022 June 28]

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Originally Published Oct 30, 2018 by Diane Ridaeus


This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.

Dr. Samuel Lee

Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente.  He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

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