I don't want to downplay it too much (I've seen my grandmother go through benzodiazapine withdrawal, and it took the best part of a year IIRC), but I would add withdrawal is highly personal. I've quit drugs that I was told (by my consultant) that would be "worse than quitting heroin" and stopped cold turkey, and didn't feel a thing. I also now take regularly take benzodiazapines, and can stop taking them during good periods without any noticeable effects (which has the bonus of limiting my tolerance increase).

Couldn't agree more. The withdrawl severity very much depends on the person and if tapered slowly, it's not bad (it wasn't for me). Cannabis can help there temporarily also. Benzos are awful after awhile due to tolerance and mostly the negative effects persisting.