Those taking lower (recommended) doses will usually experience only mild withdrawal if the medication is stopped abruptly. When benzodiazapines are take at much higher doses, it's necessary to cut the current dose by 25 to 50 percent and then reduce the remaining dose by 10 to 20 percent for one week to ten days and continue this schedule until the end. Of course this taper would be recommended to a healthy (mentally and physically) person but it can be stretched out longer if one chooses to do so. As for Xanax, once you taper down to about .25 mg or less, it's generally safe to just stop. Any withdrawal at all should be very mild and last no more than a few days. It's always best to discuss your plans for benzo discontinuations with your doctor. Good Luck.