In my opinion, Benzos taken as needed with a strict limit on how often would be worth the risk here. However, Benzos should be used as a last resort. You should try several other drugs for this before considering benzos. I reccomend seeing a doc and telling him your issue, don't ask for Benzos (or any other specific drug or class) though. He'll probably put you on something else. If you see a doctor, prioritize what he tells you to take over what I suggest here, but I'll list a couple options in case you don't see one or if what he scripts doesn't work. First thing that came to mind here was Seroquel. Its an antipsychotic, usually prescribed for insomnia, anxiety, schizophrenia, and (i think) bipolar. Pretty good for anxiety, although it is really sedating and will make you drowsy (but so will 99% of other anxiety meds). It isn't physically addictive, but you can become dependent on it making it harder to socialize when not taking it. There's a bunch of side effects, you should look them up, but honestly it's not as dangerous as it sounds because it's not like you'll get every side effect possible. There's busparione too, it's basically harmless. It only works on about 50% of people though, and isn't all that effective for about 75% of people. Its not really sedating though, and there isn't any significant short or long term side effects, nor is it addictive. You have to take it daily, and let it build up in your system over a few weeks before it's fully effective (Simalar to an SSRI), so if you try it don't give up and think it doesn't work until like 2 and a half weeks in. Zyprexa is another option, it's an atypical antipsychotic that's Moderately effective. It's very sedating however, and has some significant short term side effects, but not too much long term. Significant weight gain is common. Rarely it can cause breast development in males, but usually takes years to be noticeable, but also years to go away after stopping. There's cannabis too, indica is better for anxiety, but you can't really go to a lot of social events high. Cannabis can also cause anxiety, but usually fear and paranoia related, not social. Since you already have anxiety though, it's a greater risk for you. Another option is kava root. Its an OTC plant, legal for all forms of use, and arguably safer than caffeine. Kicks in very quick, but doesn't last too long, so you'll have to redose. Not too effective, but its worth adding on to another drug. Taking it, however much or often, is almost harmless, but after 3 months of daily use you need to take break or it can damage your liver. That's all I could think of off the top of my head, but if I think of another I'll edit it in.