Bizi............I took Xanax at a very large dose for many years. Had absolutely no trouble coming off of it by doing it correctly, under the care of a PDoc who specializes in medications for Panic and Anxiety. I also have taken Klonopin for 16 years, with no increase in the dose. And luckily no increase in any symptoms. I DO understand that some folks have issues with benzo's as you mentioned, however, many do not. IMHO, benzo's get bashed a bit too often, and since everyone reacts differently, we should be mindful of the affect what we say might have on those who are leary of taking them. With that said, I am shocked to learn from your post that Doctors readily hand benzo' s out, and them being cheap - cause that sure is not the case in Virginia !