If you struggle with anxiety or trouble sleeping, your doctor may prescribe lorazepam or alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax). These belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that helps calm the nervous system.While both medicines are often used to ease anxiety symptoms, alprazolam is also prescribed to control seizures in people with epilepsy. But despite their short-term effectiveness, one clinical psychologist has warned that depending on these medications without addressing underlying issues can be harmful in the long run.‘Benzodiazepines Don’t Solve the Root Cause,’ Says PsychologistSpanish psychologist Fernando Azor, known for sharing mental health insights on TikTok, cautioned his followers about the overuse of benzodiazepines.In a recent video, Azor explained that while drugs such as lorazepam and alprazolam can help calm anxiety attacks, they only mask symptoms rather than helping people understand what triggers their distress.He added, “People experiencing anxiety crises often struggle to face the physical sensations, such as a racing heart, blurred vision, or nervousness—that come with anxiety. We automatically see them as dangerous or negative, but in reality, they are natural bodily responses to stress.”According to Azor, perceiving these sensations as something to eliminate immediately can create a cycle of avoidance and dependency, rather than resilience.Why Relying on Medication Alone Can BackfireAzor warned that people often reach for these drugs because they take effect quickly, especially when taken under the tongue. This offers temporary relief, but it reinforces the idea that anxiety symptoms must be avoided rather than understood.He compared it to feeling hunger: “Being hungry can be unpleasant, but it’s not wrong—it signals the body’s needs. Anxiety works similarly. It’s uncomfortable, but not necessarily harmful.”By suppressing symptoms too quickly, people may avoid learning coping strategies, which can lead to increased distress and reliance on medication.Learning to Manage Anxiety Through TherapyThe psychologist highlighted that psychotherapy can help individuals build tolerance for uncomfortable sensations instead of fearing them. Through practical exercises and guided experiences, people can learn to sit with their symptoms and understand them logically and emotionally.“Therapy helps people see that feeling anxious doesn’t always mean something is wrong,” Azor said. “With the right tools, you can live with those sensations without needing to eliminate them instantly.”When to Seek Professional HelpIf you have been feeling persistently anxious, struggling to control your emotions, or having difficulty sleeping for six months or longer, experts recommend speaking to your general practitioner (GP).According to NHS guidance, treatment for anxiety may include:Medications designed to manage anxiety symptomsTalking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)Referral to mental health specialists for more tailored supportWhile benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam can offer short-term relief, mental health experts warn that they should not replace long-term coping mechanisms. Building emotional awareness and resilience through therapy and self-regulation remains key to managing anxiety sustainably.
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