I took Xanex for several years, along with some other meds that were considered addictive. I asked my doc about it, and he said that if your body needs it and you are using it because of that, you will not become addicted. I mentioned that to a new doc today, and he agreed. On Xanex, I was taking 3 -4 mg /day. As things got better, I started cutting back, Finally, I was just taking it to sleep--1/2 of a 1/4mg tab!. Then, just quit. I would love to have some again because it worked for me and I am under extreme stress right now . But, at least the docs I have talked to, treat you like a hard core druggie if you even mention it. This doc did start me on Ativan last month and increased it today. I have never had a problem stopping any of the meds that I have been on.