They are both highly controlled in the US, but of course drugs like Adderal, Ritalin, Concerta, etc., are commonly prescribed for ADHD, as you know, and have a very different safety profile. Obviously lots of abuse potential with stimulants, but again, you can discontinue stimulants safely any time. Of course, there are withdrawals, but they resolve much more quickly and safely than benzos.
Compared to the past decades, they don't dish out benzos like candy as they had in the past. The risk profile for benzos obviously contributes to that, in that we all know that sudden cessation can lead to nightmares for those taking them, and often lead to inpatient stays. Having worked in a hospital setting for several decades, and working hand and hand with prescribers as a clinician, I can tell you that without a doubt, MDs and APRN's are far less likely to prescribe benzos (and of course, opiates) today than in the past, mostly for liability reasons, especially for the young and the old, and of course to a lesser degree, those in the middle, as it were.
You can't forget that the Medical Industrial Complex is obviously very aware of what drugs are sought most frequently, and the risks in prescribing them. And again...when it comes to have a medical license and wanting to keep it, prescribers are acutely aware of the risks and don't want to lose their licenses or be sued due to patients reactions to the prescribed drugs, abuse/addiction potential, and obviously the precarious nature of withdrawals that can be life threatening, as in the case with benzos. I don't love that liability is often a major determining factor, but it's very real having known and knowing countless doctors and APRNs. And of course, the whole Oxycontin controversy made it far harder for everyone, especially those that suffer chronic pain. Even they have been, in many ways, shut off, shut out, and/or have more difficulty getting opiates in general. I know because I work with many pain management clients and have heard the stories.
