I have recurrent MD with severe anxiety. I was prescribed .5mg clonazepam bid and I used it as if some others might use Xanax because I'm real sensitive. I can actually feel this med going into my blood stream even at such a small dose. It worked miracles for me in enabling me to complete my workday. I discontinued it the moment I felt I no longer needed it without any withdrawals. I was very responsible with this med. I felt the next MD episode coming on (intervals of approx 8 years), and went to my Veterans Hospital and asked for .5mg bid klonopin. They noted how pleasant I was, and locked me up for the weekend. They gave me nothing, and discharged me after having a judge remove my firearms rights. At no time have I ever behaved in a manner suggestive of self harm or harm to others. That's the requirement for TDO and commitment. They didn't meet it,nor did they care. The VA is the single largest source of firearms restrictions, in case you know of a Veteran who is thinking of going to the VA and complaining of symptoms of anxiety or depression. They treat benzos like an evil drug, and anyone who asks for it must be a drug abuser.
I paid $400 for an evaluation which allowed me to restore my firearms rights. The VA refused to do so, and then charged me $50 for the 5 minutes their staff psych took to try to tell me my firearms rights couldn't be restored. I am so done with the Veterans Administration. My neighbor is prescribed Xanax. Addiction or withdrawal isn't an issue. He's retired and he's never coming off it. Where is the harm in him using it to get through his day?