Lifelong use

[Textual Agenda]

Okay I have crippling social anxiety and AvPD to the point where I was afraid to answer the telephone even. After trying other routes my doctor put me on Clonazepam. This was chosen because I was once severely addicted to Alprazolam(10-15mg a day, constant blackouts, car accidents). I've learned my lessons the hard way, I went cold turkey from 10mg of Alprazolam, it was a nightmare. I ended up in the hospital with seizures. But I beat it in the end. Haven't taken Xanax in 5yrs.

So far Clonazepam has worked wonders for me. I'm motivated, I can go to classes without panicking, I've gotten a much better job. The thing is my doctor essentially wants to keep me on them until I die basically. He says given the severity of my anxiety and how much it controls my life that the benefits of benzos outweigh the risks. I'm not worried about getting out of control. I've been on them 2 years now and haven't abused them at ALL. I take 1mg at night and 1mg in the morning. I'm just wondering what are the issues associated with being on benzos for decades? My doc says it's safe as long as I'm strict and take them exactly as directed, but I'd like to hear some other advice, especially if any of you have been "medically addicted" for years. I agree with my doctor I think. Clonazepam has truly helped me a lot, but I still worry about being on such a substance for the rest of my life.