There really isn't much literature on possible CNS damage by benzos, but you can probably relate that the dependency is pretty gnarly.
I don't think there's evidence for them being the safest. The withdrawal itself kind of speaks to how hard they can be. They certainly make their impact. It takes a really long time to return to baseline after use of several months or longer. FOr most, not all.
They are kind of known for losing efficacy in the long-term, but not entirely. They have their place, I wager, if need be. A lot of people seem to think that they do lose their efficacy, and to an extent this is probably true. Maybe the placebo effect has a role to play in the long-run continued use--for that, there is science. But I think GABAergics are particularly known for losing their luster. Not entirely, again, but to a large degree.
I totally think that some people do need them, and that they should be left alone about this importance and not have to justfy themselves. But antipsychotics don't really lose efficacy over time. SSRIs are truly a better long-term option than benzos for a large part of the given population, as studies suggest. But yeah if someone is drinking to self-medicate, then that should be explored in the context of medicine.
but also important to note - both 1st gen antihistamines (like hydrox) and benzos carry risk of long term cognitive impairment/dementia.
