exploring	your	deeper	emotions	and	issues.	You	may	be	faced	with	
other
complicated	emotions,	but	awareness	of	them	will	significantly	accelerate	the
recovery	process.
Medication
In	some	cases,	medication	along	with	psychotherapy	is	the	best	approach	for
anxiety	reduction.	This	should	be	considered	only	after	using	the	strategies	in
this	book	on	a	consistent	basis	and	meeting	with	a	licensed	mental	health
therapist	or	clinical	psychologist.	If	you	and	your	therapist	believe	medication
could	be	helpful,	set	up	an	appointment	with	a	psychiatrist.	Psychiatrists	have
specific	training	in	how	drugs	impact	emotions	and	behavior.
If	you	decide	to	try	medication,	be	wary	of	benzodiazepines	and
prescription	painkillers	(including	Xanax,	Ativan,	and
Clonazepam/Klonopin).	Benzodiazepines	and	sedatives	work	right	away	to
bring	down	anxiety,	which	provides	relief	in	the	moment,	but	over	time	it’s
easy	to	become	dependent	on	them.	Also,	if	you	use	sedating	medication	you
will	be	unmotivated	to	implement	the	strategies	and	your	brain	will	be	less
able	to	retain	the	new	ways	of	dealing	with	anxiety.	And	there	is	a	rebound
effect	when	benzodiazepines	and	painkillers	wear	off.	Anxiety	typically