The problem is, end, that there exists currently no reasonable alternative that actually matches the benzos in terms of potency and effect-- so if you are truly having substantial difficulties with prolonged insomnia, can never seem to get more than five to six hours, ect, it becomes one of the most seductive drugs available. And the more safe alternatives more often do not end up being effective at all beyond a very minor level.
It's unfortunate that this class are actually as dangerous and potentially damaging as they are- it would appear that the brain (and body) really, really can be thrown off any reasonable sort of normalcy by the binding action on GABA receptor sites, and what no one understood to full effect, until the withdrawl reports started flooding physician practices in the late 60's and early 70's, seems to be that by temporarily making the transmission of signals more 'efficient' (where it's effect derives it's ability) it thus makes the neurons themselves less excitable. And once the drug is out of your system, by cold turkey (big no-no) or even if a taper which is seemingly gradual is made too quickly, major problems can arise, and almost immediately. That's because your body has been wound up like a clock to a different time- sometimes an entirely different time zone- and now a process begins in which it slowly reverts back to it's original point...or hopefully somewhere close to it.
This drug is like the Beatles of Pharmaceuticals-- sure, there have been others that have caused more suffering and more deaths, when prescribed, but never has there existed a class that has inflicted so much prolonged harm to so many people, initially unknowingly, and so deceptively quickly.It's got all the others beat in that regard- and badly. In fact, I would argue that the reports coming in from people initially were just so awful (panic attacks, insomnia, depression, ect) that it was deemed in that time too unlikely that a single drug, cleared for use, when discontinued could cause such an avalanche of symptoms, making the medical community more inclined to view alot more of the cases as a form of mental illness. A small tragedy in itself.
Please research these drugs carefully before taking them- and judge if they are really necesarry in your situation. While your doctor may appear to prescribe them as if it's the greatest pill that ever happened, in actuality you are feeding a dragon that may possibly claw years out of your life. Glad to read that some countries are taking them so seriously.