[MentatOnMelange]

I actually have the exact opposite experience. I was on klonopin a long time, and it does get addictive. My doctor thought it was the best way for me to function with anxiety. After a couple years, I got a new doctor, who was far more cautious with medication. I got off it, which was incredibly hard. In fact I don't think I could have done it if the resulting agoraphobia hadn't prevented me from leaving the apartment to try to get more.

It took a very long time in what was the psychological equivalent of someone going through physical therapy to learn how to walk again, but I was able to identify and work through the underlying causes of my anxiety. I'm doing better now without the medication.

To be clear, I am NOT saying medication is bad or unnecessary. Some people do need these medications long term. But benzos really need to be prescribed with the same responsibility as opioids, because the risk of addiction and withdrawl is very real.