Anxiety disorders are characterized by unrealistic worry and apprehension. Symptoms of anxiety disorders include restlessness, aches, trembling, shortness of breath, smothering sensation, palpitations, sweating, cold clammy hands, lightheadedness, flushing, exaggerated startle responses, problems concentrating, and insomnia. Panic attacks happen unexpectedly or are triggered in certain situations (such as while driving). Medications have shown a solid ability at treating problems of anxiety. These are typically central nervous system depressants, such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines and similar tranquilizers. Unfortunately, these medications also have a high risk of being misused and abuse.

Young, healthy people often abuse Xanax. Similar to OxyContin and Ritalin, Xanax has found its way from pharmacies to drug dealers. Often a physical and emotional dependence occurs with the abuse of others drugs such as alcohol or cocaine. It is commonly abused to create a high similar to one created by alcohol. A higher dosage gives a feeling of euphoria and increased sociability. For a person with a dependence, it may be taken orally, chewed, crushed (then snorted like cocaine), or crushed (then dissolved in water and injected like heroin). A person addicted to Xanax may be taking 20-30 pills per day.

Xanax® is one of the most commonly found cases in prescription drug abuse treatment. For some, it is so easy to obtain. Three out of every four drugs used illegally in the U.S. are prescription drugs. According to the government, prescription drug addiction has doubled in the past 10 years. The latest research concluded that four million people were estimated to be abusing prescription drugs in 1999. According to a 2010 survey conducted by the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this number was exceeding 7 million. Estimates in the 2010 survey had 2.2 million people taking anti-anxiety drug for non-medical reasons.