[cc-d]

Not in some cases, almost all.

GABAergenics in general are pretty much the sole class of popular recreational drug which have a very real possibility of lethal withdrawals.

In the case of alcohol, it often takes years for addicts to reach a point where withdrawal becomes lethal. In the case of short acting benzodiazepines/barbiturates, this point can be reached in less than a month.

Of course, benzodiazepines are in schedule IV, which means they are viewed as being rather benign with no/low potential for abuse. In the eyes of the federal government, alprazolam (xanax) is far less dangerous than marijuana/the traditional psychedelics.

Just another data point demonstrating the utter absurdity of US drug legislation and regulation.

[tnecniv]

> Not in some cases, almost all.

That's what I had heard, but I was uncomfortable making a stronger statement without more knowledge.

[cc-d]

In terms of the symptoms people more classically associate with the concept of "withdrawal", these can last MONTHS TO YEARS after the cessation of long term benzodizepine use.

If one wishes to cease benzodiazepine usage, they effectively are forced to slowly taper over time period that can potentially take years. If one were to "cold turkey" after a multi-year long period of heavy benzodiazepine use, assuming they survived with no other long term damage, their severe-moderate withdrawal symptoms would still be apparent after several months. These include, but not limited to, constant paranoia/panic attacks, constant visible parkinson-like shaking, SEVERE unceasing insomnia, etc.

I've only elaborated on the withdrawal aspect of benzodiazepines as well. They are capable of causing far more harm than simply their lethal withdrawals. User behavior, synergistic effects on respiratory depression, etc.