Nancy, you started taking those drugs in mid-1980s - hardly anyone at the time knew how they really work. We know what we know only thanks to the Internet, and the truth coming to light especially in the last 5-6 years or so. There was really no chance to avoid it years ago. On a similar note, every time I tried to get of off the drugs, or limit the dose I would, too, go into WD, which usually ended with the doctor upping the dose (like a psychiatric yo-yo effect), not to mention them (doctors) masking side-effects from the drugs and the growing tolerance withdrawal.
The first, most important, step has been made - you started to research it and nw you *know* what is going on.