No doubt, there are often consequences. But not always. Ibuprofen? Naa. You can take that stuff forever and not have withdrawal symptoms.

I took Wellbutrin to quit smoking and it worked like a charm, but it was absolute hell on the body, even on day 1. Talk about serious anxiety attacks. I was sweating profusely. It was more intense on the body than Adderall. But it wasn't for nothing. I'm a nonsmoker, so that's cool.

I suggest you rethink the "no free lunch" bit, but, it's a handy way to live nonetheless. Theoretically, if you stuck by it, you know you'd never have to deal with severe consequences later on, just like me with my medication holidays. They're just playing it safe.

And I agree on the bit about making that choice by yourself.