I was addicted to xanax from April 2002 until one month ago. I quit cold turkey and was taking 5 mg per day all this time. Had NO withdrawal symptoms except mild muscle cramping and a little trouble falling asleep at night. I was NOT under a doctors supervision, because my doctor didn't feel I needed to stop. I realized that the drug was taking control of every second of every day. I have three children and just would not allow this to go on for a minute longer. My husband said he wanted his wife back and I did it. My only advice is that xanax does not make your problems go away and no one needs it. I do have anxiety disorder, but there are other things that I can do to deal with that, walking, breathing deeply, taking a hot bath, etc. I hid behind xanax for so long because I didn't think I could live without it, now I know I can. Good luck.