Supanova, I appreciate your post. It is very true that SSRIs are probably the best medication for long-term anxiety, not a benzodiazepine. However, in cases of extreme episodal distress, a benzo might be appropriate.
I would LOVE to do CBT, but don't have money for a therapist and just have the books and it's harder to devote time to it when I have no one to tell me how to do it.