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Diazepam Alternatives

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

Last Updated on July 28, 2022 by Carol Gillette

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

Because benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) can carry devastating consequences for some, we recommend diazepam alternatives. Diazepam alternatives not only eliminate unwanted symptoms such as anxiety or insomnia, but they do so without laying in further injury to the person.

The medical profession, particularly medical detox facilities, has tremendous difficulty getting a client through diazepam withdrawal without complication.4 We can help.

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successful diazepam alternatives
Alternative to Meds has been providing benzodiazepine withdrawal help to clients for well for over 15 years. Our clients’ success is shown in our published evidence that you can review. Benzos affect some people much worse than others. We specialize in those who could not easily find help elsewhere. Most importantly, we appreciate that every person has a unique profile, history, and characteristics, and treatment programs need to accommodate these needs.
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You are likely all too familiar with the horrors of this drug. Benzodiazepines can be extremely difficult to get off, often compared to opiates for harsh withdrawal phenomena. But continuing to take benzodiazepines can also be extremely hazardous to health. We can help sort it out, safely.
Please watch the videos you see here or call us to get hope about your situation.

Natural Alternatives to Diazepam

Natural alternatives are not meant here as substitute drugs. At Alternative to Meds Center, we focus on other therapies using non-drug-based strategies to improve mental wellness and reduce unwanted symptoms safely. For example, by simply avoiding sugar or refined carbs one can reduce anxiety and the mood swings that often accompany blood-sugar spikes and crashes.1

There are many ways to reduce symptoms without risking drug-induced side effects. A sample of some that are easily implemented follows.

Diazepam alternatives include:
  • holistic alternatives to diazepamNiacin (vitamin B3) 2,6 administered in appropriate doses, is a natural-acting tranquilizer that can safely promote relaxation and sleep*
  • Prevent blood sugar spikes through proper diet 7,8
  • Avoid stimulants such as caffeine 9
  • Avoid neurotoxins in foods & beverages such as Aspartame©, MSG 10,11
  • Design a nutrient-rich eating plan using chemical-free foods 12,13
  • Neurotoxin cleanout of mercury, lead, and other toxic accumulations 3,14-17
  • Regular exercise — natural mood enhancer with other health benefits 18
  • Counseling such as CBT is effective mental health therapy 19,20
  • Supplements i.e., passionflower, kava, l-tryptophan, taurine, magnesium, melatonin 21-26

*Dr. Abram Hoffer’s works include volumes of research on vitamin therapies for mental health as noted by a 2017 McGill University publication.

Benzos are usually given to an individual for anxiety or for help sleeping. However, using these medications often brings on diazepam side effects or other problems that weren’t present before the drug was first prescribed, including the likelihood of dependence and distinct withdrawal symptoms after 1-2 weeks of use.27 These issues, among many others, demonstrate the need for alternatives to diazepam. We employ holistic, safe, proven methods to stabilize the workings of the CNS and brain’s coaction. Problems relating to benzodiazepine withdrawal are among the most common as withdrawing from these drugs improperly can present extreme symptoms, such as seizures and protracted withdrawal.4,5 Getting off diazepam (Valium®) without help can be difficult. Alternative to Meds Center creates a customized treatment plan for each client — carefully personalized for each person’s safety and success.

Neurotoxin Removal

diazepam alternatives helpLab 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 — heavy metals, or chemical residues from cleaning products or chemicals used in processing foods for example — that are producing 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, low-temperature 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.

Correcting the Diet — 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.

Generally, 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.

Nutritional Supplements Effective for Anxiety, Insomnia

nutritional supplements effective for anxietySupplements 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.

talk therapy for coming off diazepamFor 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 even after a short period of use.27 We encourage considering natural diazepam substitutes. Diazepam natural alternatives are many and include different types of talk therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, supplementation, and nutritional options for managing the condition for which this medication was prescribed. Managing blood sugar issues is important.1 Typically, when diazepam doesn’t produce the desired results, a physician may offer another drug or even multiple medications. The practice of switching drugs might involve other anti-anxiety drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ), tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The current consensus advises that anti-anxiety 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 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.

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 consider healthy Valium alternatives. There are many people who suffer from anxiety and go their whole life without drugs. Many options exist to treat anxiety without resorting to prescription medications. Anxiety can be treated with diazepam alternatives such as counseling, where one can learn new tools to deal with triggers in an empowered way. Treating your body with the best nutrition, implementing strategies for better quality sleep, 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.

Diazepam Alternatives Help at Alternative to Meds

holistic treatments for diazepam addictionOur 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. 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

1 (800) 301-3753 for Diazepam Alternatives Help

1. Abitbol L, Palmert MR. When Low Blood Sugars Cause High Anxiety: Fear of Hypoglycemia Among Parents of Youth With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Can J Diabetes. 2020 Aug 20:S1499-2671(20)30329-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2020.08.098. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33046404. [cited 2022 June 28]

2. Lichstein K et al., “Vitamins and Sleep: An Exploratory Study.” Sleep Med 2008 Jan PMID 17825610  [cited 2022 June 28]

3. Orish Ebere Orisakwe, “The Role of Lead and Cadmium in Psychiatry.” N AM J Med Sci PMID 25210669 2014 Aug [cited 2022 June 28]

4. Hu X. “Benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures and management.” J Okla State Med Assoc. 2011 Feb;104(2):62-5. PMID: 21815323.[cited 2022 June 28]

5. Fialip J, Aumaitre O, Eschalier A, Maradeix B, Dordain G, Lavarenne J. “Benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures: analysis of 48 case reports.” Clin Neuropharmacol. 1987 Dec;10(6):538-44. PMID: 3427560 [cited 2022 June 28]

6. Wakade C, Chong R, Bradley E, Morgan JC. Low-dose niacin supplementation modulates GPR109A, niacin index and ameliorates Parkinson’s disease symptoms without side effects. Clin Case Rep. 2015;3(7):635-637. doi:10.1002/ccr3.232 [cited 2022 June 28]

7. Acute Hypoglycemia Presenting as Acute Psychosis Tanveer Padder MD, Aparna Udyawar MD, Nouman Azhar MD, Kamil Jaghab MD From the Department of Psychiatry, Nassau University Medical Center.First Published December 2005. [cited 2022 June 28]

8. Brady WJ Jr, Duncan CW. Hypoglycemia masquerading as acute psychosis and acute cocaine intoxication. Am J Emerg Med. 1999 May;17(3):318-9. doi: 10.1016/s0735-6757(99)90140-7. PMID: 10337905. [cited 2022 June 28]

9. Clark I, Landolt HP. Coffee, caffeine, and sleep: A systematic review of epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials. Sleep Med Rev. 2017 Feb;31:70-78. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2016.01.006. Epub 2016 Jan 30. PMID: 26899133. [cited 2022 June 28]

10. Choudhary AK, Lee YY. Neurophysiological symptoms and aspartame: What is the connection? Nutr Neurosci. 2018 Jun;21(5):306-316. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2017.1288340. Epub 2017 Feb 15. PMID: 28198207. [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. Głąbska D, Guzek D, Groele B, Gutkowska K. Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Mental Health in Adults: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):115. Published 2020 Jan 1. doi:10.3390/nu12010115 [cited 2022 June 28]

13. 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]

14. Satoh H. Occupational and environmental toxicology of mercury and its compounds. Ind Health. 2000 Apr;38(2):153-64. doi: 10.2486/indhealth.38.153. PMID: 10812838. [cited 2022 June 28]

15. 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]

16. Center for Disease Control and Prevention Nerve Agent and Organophosphate Pesticide Poisoning. [cited 2022 June 28]

17. Organophosphate Toxicity StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Erika L. Robb; Mari B. Baker. [cited 2022 June 28]

18. Kandola A, Stubbs B. Exercise and Anxiety. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1228:345-352. doi: 10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_23. PMID: 32342469. [cited 2022 June 28]

19. Otte C. Cognitive behavioral therapy in anxiety disorders: current state of the evidence. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2011;13(4):413-421. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2011.13.4/cotte [cited 2022 June 28]

20. Ali BS, Rahbar MH, Naeem S, Gul A, Mubeen S, Iqbal A. The effectiveness of counseling on anxiety and depression by minimally trained counselors: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Psychother. 2003;57(3):324-36. doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2003.57.3.324. PMID: 12961817. [cited 2022 June 28]

21. Lakhan, Shaheen E and Vieira, Karen F “Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review,” summary of 24 clinical trials, AMJ, US National Lib.of Medicine [2009 Sept] PMID 20919532 [Internet] 2010 Oct [cited 2022 June 28]

22. Jakaria M, Azam S, Haque ME, et al. Taurine and its analogs in neurological disorders: Focus on therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms. Redox Biol. 2019;24:101223. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2019.101223. [cited 2022 June 28]

22. 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]

23. Boyle NB, Lawton C, Dye L. The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress-A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):429. Published 2017 Apr 26. doi:10.3390/nu9050429. [cited 2022 June 28]

24. 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]

25. Garzón, C., Guerrero, J.M., Aramburu, O. et al. Effect of melatonin administration on sleep, behavioral disorders and hypnotic drug discontinuation in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Aging Clin Exp Res,38–42 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03324897. [cited 2022 June 28]

26. Zang DX. [A self body double blind clinical study of L-tryptophan and placebo in treated neurosis]. Zhonghua Shen Jing Jing Shen Ke Za Zhi. 1991 Apr;24(2):77-80, 123-4. Chinese. PMID: 1860385. [cited 2022 June 28]

27. Brett J, Murnion B. Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. Aust Prescr. 2015;38(5):152-155. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.055 [cited 2022 June 28]

28. Firth J, Marx W, Dash S, et al. The Effects of Dietary Improvement on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials [published correction appears in Psychosom Med. 2020 Jun;82(5):536]. Psychosom Med. 2019;81(3):265-280. doi:10.1097/PSY.0000000000000673 [cited 2022 June 28]

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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Medical Disclaimer:
Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.

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