Puddy, that person's experience includes binging on benzos, rapid tapering and long-term use. Those are all no-nos. I have used benzos in the past to manage uncontrollable anxiety, and had no problems - in fact, they helped tremendously, as the enabled me to do CBT therapy, which in turn took care of my anxiety disorder for good.
Benzos are useful only when used responsibly, as directed, and under the supervision of a competent psychiatrist.