I have been taking Xanax for 19 years due to major panic issues. My doctor warned me that the dosage could cause addiction within a short period of time. I have never had a problem because I only took the prescribed dosage for a shor t time. I have snice used it on a "need to" basis. The peace of mind that having them provides is a great motivator to not abuse them. If not Xanax, there are others.