I was off it for 4 years.  Felt awful. 

My doctor finally put me back on them because nothing else works.

I make sure not to take them everyday, where possible. 

But when they wear off, I don't get more anxiety than before, I just go back, part-way, to being where I was before I started back on them.  Is there anyone here who has been on benzos a long time and whose doctor still feels they should take them?  Especially people like me who have tried many meds without much impact.  

I know the downsides and stigma and tolerance and dependence issues of benzos, which is why I'm writing this. 

When I stop taking them, I don't get worse than if I hadn't taken them, I just get as bad as I usually have been in my life when I was off them for long periods, which is... pretty awful.

Curious about input.

Please don't write/comment saying how awful they are.  I know the downsides.  And I am not abusing them, I take them by prescription.