Fears of flying, often spurred by the perceived possibility of terrorism, have led some to turn to a variety of prescription medications to help them get through flights.
Some of the drugs being used include:
One sleep disorders expert has noticed a dramatic increase over the past two years in the amount of patients who take a drug, in part, to calm their anxieties during a flight. Some nervous fliers have even resorted to borrowing a couple of prescriptions from their friends to get through a trip.
With all the terror alerts and overstuffed planes needlessly paralyzing our airports as of late, it's not surprising some of you still worry about flying, although it's still a far safer alternative than driving to the same destination.
For a myriad of reasons, taking a prescription drug such as Paxil or Ambien -- especially one not written especially for you -- can be deadly.
Bear in mind that since 2001, 490,000 people in the United States have died from prescription drugs, while 2,996 people in the United States have died from terrorism, all in the 9/11 attacks.
Prescription drugs are therefore 16,400 percent more dangerous than terrorism.
If deaths from over-the-counter drugs are also included, then drug consumption leaps to being 32,000 percent more dangerous than terrorism. And conventional medicine viewed as a whole is 104,700 percent deadlier than terrorism.
A healthier, saner alternative to ease your fears that has nothing to do with a drug: Learn how to use the Emotional Freedom Technique, the effective energy psychology tool used daily in my practice. With a few quick taps on various acupuncture points on your face and body while stating some simple affirmations, most people have easily resolved their challenges.
About two years ago I treated the wife of the person who was helping us run the site and she had terrible plane phobias. But after a quick treatment she has now been able to comfortably fly to Europe, Hawaii and Africa.
If simple EFT does not work then it is more than likely a few sessions with a skilled practitioner will do the trick.
Gary Craig has compiled a list of EFT Practitioner Referrals from the United States and around the world. Many of these therapists even offer a free 15-minute phone session in which you can ask them questions to see if you connect.