Over the last several years, levels of stress, insomnia, anxiety, and pain-induced anxiety have skyrocketed and prescriptions in the benzodiazepine class have correspondingly (and exponentially) grown as well. Unfortunately, these drugs are not usually the answer and will often lead to dependence, withdrawal, and tolerance. As clinicians, it’s imperative that we understand the essential roles of GABA -- after all, it’s responsible for 20% of all brain neurotransmitter activity -- and have safer alternatives that can bring the GABAergic system back into balance.In this lecture, we will discuss Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain, the intricacies of the GABA receptor, as well as the various drugs, phytoceuticals, and lifestyle measures (including meditation) that modulate GABA release via orthosteric or allosteric mechanisms.We will also discuss the pitfalls of direct GABA supplementation (hint: there is zero blood brain barrier permeability!).