[batshit_beaver]

> i highly doubt not having benzos as part of one's pharmaceutical cocktail is the fundamental difference maker to one's life or death. so even to those who are now dependent on them, their long-term health will almost certainly be better served by getting to the root cause of their health issues. not saying that's an easy thing to do, but that's still the reality.

Dude, I've spent my entire 20s in therapy while trying various "safe" drugs to get ahold of my anxiety issues. Nothing worked. I was offered electroconvulsive therapy or daily benzos. I went with benzos. I've been taking them for years now and my life is infinitely better as a result. I've changed careers, gotten married, and traveled the world. Before benzos I was living with parents, too anxious to go across the street to get the mail.

I really don't think it's right to dismiss a whole class of highly effective and generally safe medication that can have life-altering benefits for some people. I'm okay with being slightly more retarded in my later years if it means I actually get to live a life outside my parents' basement.