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).
