he told us that in American med schools, doctors are not trained in weaning patients off them
Literal insanity.
Considering how commonly prescribed benzos are, and the serious consequences involved in coming off them too quickly (or even cold turkey), I find it insane that GPs so often seem to lack knowledge and compassion in that area.
Many times before on this forum, I've mentioned my sick and twisted (not beautiful) fantasy that all doctors-in-training are required to go through a minor benzo rebound/withdrawal. Yeah, it's unethical and dangerous and just a fantasy of sorts, but there's no substitute for actual lived experience and I think there should be a reduction in these cases of casual cruelty.