What are the Alternatives To Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines were first introduced in the 1960’s when the primary substances used to treat the same illnesses were barbituates. Over the next 20 years, benzos like Ativan and Klonopin replaced barbiturates as the go-to medicinal treatment for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and more. Another 40 years later, we are painfully aware that benzodiazepines do carry a risk of dependency and addiction. Today, benzos are still prescribed to treat these conditions, but there is also a growing movement to employ the use of alternative treatments that carry less risk.