The rate of addiction to anxiety medication is alarming. It has been shown in studies that psychiatrists are prone to prescribe medication when normal cognitive behavioral therapy will suffice. Perhaps it’s because medication is utterly convenient. However, there are alternative forms of anxiety medication which are non-addicting yet equally effective.

Anxiety Medication – A Look at Alternatives

Psychotherapy – Anxiety disorders are learned incorrect responses to stimuli. It is quite normal for a person to feel anxiety or fear if the occasion warrants it. However, most people who suffer from anxiety disorders get frightened even if there is no real reason to be afraid. Psychotherapy is a form of treatment where a psychologist helps the patient overcome these anxieties by overcoming their reactions to the things they fear.

A popular method is psychotherapy is desensitization. This involves exposing the patient to the object of his or her fears until the person becomes so thoroughly used to it that the individual no longer feels any anxiety over it. Some use relaxation techniques to control the anxiety or panic attacks. The psychologist will train the patient to engage in breathing exercises or some other activity at the onset of an anxiety attack. The objective is to disrupt the anxiety from escalating.

Exercise – Stress severely aggravates anxiety disorders. In many cases, anxiety disorders originate from severe stress. Reducing stress is a good way to relieve anxiety. Exercise is one of the best ways to release stress. Just thirty minutes or one hour of exercise a day is good enough to significantly reduce stress. People will feel more energized, relaxed and healthy. Weightlifting, aerobics and even yoga are excellent activities.

Alternative Therapy – Lately, more and more people are looking into natural alternatives. Herbal medicine is becoming very popular amongst those who suffer from anxiety disorders. People are also beginning to look into alternative treatments like acupuncture. While there have been few studies made on alternative treatments, many have been used in the East for centuries and are reputed to be effective.

There are many alternatives to anxiety medication. Unless the disorder is in its advanced stages, make sure to talk to your doctor about all the treatments