I'm over tired and thusly, I'll post a bit of my thoughts on benzos-
OP - I agree with what are doctors thinking? But all cannot rest on their shoulders. I think every person needs to take responsibility for their choices in life.
I will probably be on benzos for the rest of my life and that's cool with me. I'm unable to tolerate most ADHD/ADD meds due to a all the complications that meds/ADD have.
Maybe the difference between what you mention and people like me is that the benefit outweighs the negative. If I could take ritalin or adderal without become a zombie, I would. But I can't. So we do this alternative. It's worked for 20 years without issue.
I definitely think a sedative/benzo/whatever can help with detoxing from booze and narcotics. I'm not a person who believes in the concept that one should suffer as much as possible so they "don't go back." People in pain make bad choices, sometimes. Sometimes, I say! People not in pain do that too. It's a crapshoot and very individual.
Just my ESH. :-)