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by cc-d 2866 days ago
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.