Xanax addiction is the primary risk surrounding its use, as with any prescription drug on the market. Some people find that they cannot discontinue using Xanax, at which time the addiction process has begun. It is likely that dependence will be greater in individuals who have taken higher dosages, are older, and/or have taken Xanax for an extended period of time. It is estimated that as many as one third of the people who have taken Xanax for a year will experience the inability to discontinue Xanax or will go through prolonged and uncomfortable discontinuation symptoms.

Unless a person is willing to risk the possibility of long-term use of Xanax, they should not start using it to begin with.