World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day: Escaping the Grip of Xanax

Did you know that about 30.6 million U.S. adults use benzodiazepines? It’s true. Keeping that in mind, it’s no surprise that World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day is today, July 11. 

What exactly is World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day?

According to NationalToday.com, “World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day is observed on July 11 every year. This day is to raise awareness and educate the public about the dangers of long-term use of benzodiazepines…While they may seem harmless, they are easy to overdose on when used with other medication or alcohol. The primary concern with benzodiazepines is the severe physical dependency cultivated due to prolonged prescriptions, which is what the World of Benzodiazepine Awareness Day seeks to address.” 

Experiencing anxiety firsthand

I know anxiety well. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, unease, or fear that is easily overwhelming and often difficult to manage. This anxiety can be debilitating for many and prevent people from living normally. I am one of those people who depend on where I am in life; my anxiety can stop me in my tracks.

For a long time, Xanax, which has long been a popular medication for anxiety, was my go-to, but it can have unwanted side effects and it’s difficult to break free from. This is why many people now turn to CBD as a safe and natural alternative to managing their anxiety. In this blog post on World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day, I will share my journey to breaking free of Xanax and embracing a CBD approach to anxiety.

My benzodiazepine personal journey

Xanax is a brand name for the medication Alprazolam, which belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (famously known as “benzos”). These drugs are commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, as they work to increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, resulting in feelings of calmness and relaxation. 

While benzos can be effective in treating these conditions, they come with a host of potential drawbacks. One major concern is the risk of addiction, as these drugs can be highly habit-forming even when prescribed. Additionally, stopping benzos suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, anxiety, and insomnia.

Xanax was that little pill that I always had on me. I suffer from General Anxiety Disorder, which reared its head in my early twenties. The doctor prescribed that pill along with Celexa, and I continued to use those two for YEARS. I’m talking about a total dependency on them. However, the downside to using Xanax became apparent as I started to experience negative side effects, such as extreme drowsiness and forgetfulness. That’s when I began searching for alternative solutions and discovered the benefits of CBD, l-theanine, and 5-HTP.

Alternative solutions worth exploring

Let’s talk more about these two options, L-Theanine and 5-HTP. 

L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves that promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels without causing drowsiness. 5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid that converts in the body to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and promotes feelings of well-being. Both of these supplements can effectively manage anxiety and foster a sense of calm and may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

One of the most remarkable benefits of using CBD for anxiety is that it is an all-natural solution. Unlike prescription medications such as Xanax, CBD comes from the hemp plant and contains no harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients. This makes it a safe and effective option for those looking to manage their anxiety without experiencing unwanted side effects. 

Another advantage of CBD for anxiety is that it allows you to control your dosing. You are typically given a specific dosage with prescription medications and cannot adjust it based on your current needs. However, CBD allows you to increase or decrease your dosage depending on the severity of your anxiety. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience varying anxiety levels throughout the day or week.

In addition, CBD has shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates various bodily functions, including mood and stress response. CBD can help reduce anxiety levels and improve overall well-being by promoting relaxation and calmness.

Incorporating all three supplements, CBD with L-Theanine and 5-HTP, provided me with a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm and tranquility.

Is an alternative solution right for you?

Before you leap into doing what I did, I want to say: First and foremost, you must consult with a doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen. Abruptly stopping benzos often leads to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, and tapering off should happen under medical supervision. 

The most important thing is to prioritize your mental health and work with a doctor to find the best treatment plan for your needs. I was fortunate. I don’t have an addicting personality and honestly didn’t realize how addicting those little pills were until way later down the road when watching a documentary. It took me six months to completely go benzo-free.

Bye, bye benzos

Overall, it is possible to break free from the grip of benzos and embrace alternative solutions like CBD, but it is essential to do so safely and under medical supervision. I found the process of researching and experimenting with alternative anxiety treatments to be empowering. It allowed me to take control of my mental health in a new way and ultimately led me to a much healthier and more sustainable approach to managing my anxiety. Patience, persistence, and giving yourself grace will help you live a life freer from your anxiety and possible addiction to Benzo drugs.

If you’re looking for more information about Xanax or Benzos in general on World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day, read what the Cleveland Clinic has to say.