[toomanybeersies]

There are newer benzos (and analogs) that have less negative effects than Valium or Xanax, but they don't seem to be popular in the developed world for whatever reason.

Etizolam is one such drug. It's prescribed in Japan and India, but not really anywhere else as far as I can tell. It has a lower potential for dependance than classical benzodiazepines and tolerance builds up a lot slower. Anecdotally from people I know who've taken it, its acute effects feel much more mild than Xanax or Valium. In my limited experience, Valium feels like you've been lobotomised, and Etizolam feels like you've been given a big hug.