Neurotoxin Removal
Lab testing is done early in the program at Alternative to Meds Center. In the majority of anxiety cases, we find a build-up of neurotoxins has occurred — heavy metals, or chemical residues from cleaning products or chemicals used in processing foods for example — which results in an over-stimulated nervous system.14-17 Such symptoms may have been what led a person to the initial use of benzos. Using various cleansing methods such as chelation, sauna, colon hydrotherapy, and others, these residues can be gently and effectively purged from the system. Neurotoxin removal is essential for many to be able to experience neurotransmitter rehabilitation and therefore a remission of toxin-induced symptoms such as anxiety, depression, suicidality, and insomnia.
Correcting the Diet — Highly Effective Alternative to Diazepam
Diet is one of the easiest but most overlooked strategies to improve mental health. A massive review of literature on the subject of nutrition and mood disorders by Firth et al published in the British Medical Journal 28 suggests that improving the diet also improves the mental health of the population.
Specifically, the authors suggest the Mediterranean diet is better for mood and well-being than the typical Western diet. The study also highlights the importance of a healthy gut microbiome, and low-glycemic foods for mental and physical health. Over-consumption of foods & beverages high in excitatory stimulants such as sugars, glutamate, and caffeine, is another important discovery in how nutrition can dysregulate mood and sleep.1,7,8,11,31
Where possible, choose organic and unprocessed foods as much as possible to avoid the chemicals used in commercial food production and much of modern farming practices. Such strategies may seem “too simple,” but can profoundly impact overall health, as demonstrated in studies on the mental health effects of pesticide exposure on farmers and others in the agriculture industry.29
Nutritional Supplements Effective for Anxiety, Insomnia
Supplements can also be beneficial. For example, passionflower was shown to be as effective as prescription medication for anxiety relief and additionally, did not produce the negative side effects of the medication used in the trial.24
Magnesium given in oral supplements was shown to have positive anxiety-reducing effects in 9 studies, according to researchers Boyle et al, as published in Nutrients Journal. The authors of the study go on to report that magnesium is deficient in 68% of Americans and 72% of French middle-aged adults and therefore recommend dietary magnesium be supplemented to correct the problem.23
At Alternative to Meds, inpatient lab testing is used to reveal nutritional deficiencies which can be remedied through diet correction and supplementation to improve both mental and physical health.
Coming Off Diazepam (Valium) Made Easier with Alternatives
We have discovered effective methods of diazepam alternatives treatment that allow people to reduce and even eliminate this medication while using safe, natural alternatives to soften the withdrawal symptoms.
For a lot of individuals, diazepam (Valium) cannot sufficiently manage their symptoms except in perhaps a short-term crisis. Diazepam typically causes uncomfortable side effects and is notorious for at times vicious withdrawals and rebound symptoms and this can occur even after a short period of use.27
Drug-free diazepam alternatives serve two functions. Their use can provide the relief one needs without ever starting on a prescription of benzodiazepines.
And, safe alternatives to diazepam can assist greatly while reduction of dosage is ongoing.
CBT and Other Forms of Counseling
Diazepam natural alternatives include different types of talk therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Counseling can be done before beginning a prescription drug, but it can also be highly effective at an appropriate point in a diazepam withdrawal program.
The 2021 review of CBT for anxiety published in the American Psychiatric Focus Journal describes CBT as the most efficacious and most researched anxiety treatment in current medical practice.29
Diet Choices, Managing Blood Sugar Levels, and Anxiety
Food choices can directly impact mood and other mental health concerns. As mentioned earlier, nutrition experts advise that both correction of diet and nutritional supplementation are effective strategies for the management of anxiety and related conditions.21
Supplements like passionflower, kava, and specific amino acids show strong clinical evidence for anxiety relief. Others, such as magnesium, vitamins, minerals, also show promise and can be transformative for symptom relief without the potential risks of prescription drugs.
Managing blood sugar issues is also important. Through avoiding excess sugars and refined carbs, one can control blood sugar spikes which are a key factor in treating mood dysregulation.1,7,8
Multiple Medications vs Natural Diazepam Alternatives
Typically, when diazepam doesn’t produce the desired results, or after drug tolerance develops, a physician may offer a higher dose, and/or another drug or even multiple medications. The practice of prescribing multiple drugs (polypharmacy) might combine other anti-anxiety drugs, such as anxiolytics, antidepressants, and even antipsychotics for their dampening effects. Drug-drug interactions and even overdose are possible complications coming from such practices.
The current consensus and governing guidelines around the world advise that benzodiazepine medications should be used only short-term. Brett et al in their 2015 paper published in the Australian Prescriber Journal that there are few instances where benzos should be prescribed for more than 2 weeks due to the likelihood of dependence, and therefore withdrawals that are likely to occur.27
Many individuals become exhausted by the process of trial and error, constantly trying medications that don’t really work or cause untenable side effects. When someone is not happy with Valium, they may be encouraged to consider healthy Valium or diazepam alternatives.
Quite tragically, there are many people who suffer from anxiety and go their whole life without drugs or any other intervention. Such suffering is unnecessary. Many options exist to treat anxiety without resorting to prescription medications.
There is Hope for Treating Symptoms Without Drugs
As discussed above, anxiety can be treated with diazepam alternatives such as counseling, where one can learn new tools to deal with the stressors of life. Giving your body the best nutrition you can, implementing strategies for better quality sleep, regular exercise, neurotoxin removal, and neurotransmitter rehabilitation are some better alternatives to drugs. Meditation or mindfulness training, as well as correcting diet, acupuncture, and massage, can also provide better strategies. Alternative to Meds Center aims to teach clients how to be mentally healthy — without medication — for their entire lifetime. We aim to identify and correct the originating causes of the symptoms which led to being medicated with diazepam. And we are experts in benzodiazepine tapering where this is needed.
Diazepam Alternatives Help at Alternative to Meds
Our diazepam alternative protocols can be viewed on our services overview page. Carefully managed medication taper methods, in a warm and inviting social setting. Neurochemical support using targeted supplementation, and other alternatives to diazepam promote relaxation and stability. Find out more about other services offered at the center, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, neurotoxin removal, Equine-assisted therapy, Qi Gong, IV therapy, and more. We can help you get off diazepam with little to no discomfort, and you can live your life without anxiety or medication.
Most people do not get real relief from their problems with Valium which can, at best, temporarily mask anxiety. The anxiety remains when the medication is gone. At Alternative to Meds, we believe that there are more effective long-term answers. Prescription medications are not the only options for mental health treatment. We have other answers that may help you. For those of you who are suffering from anxiety, insomnia, or other conditions and cannot tolerate the side effects, addiction potential, or if you are unresponsive to diazepam treatment, it is very possible that diazepam alternatives help could change your life.
Our goal is to find and correct underlying problems thereby creating lasting success and relief. The underlying root causes of anxiety may be more effectively addressed without diazepam. Please call to learn more about the kind of diazepam alternatives help available to you or your loved one today at Alternative to Meds Center.
Read Our eBook on the Alternatives to Benzodiazepines
Niacin (vitamin B3) 2,6 administered in appropriate doses, is a natural-acting tranquilizer that can safely promote relaxation and sleep*
