text: how do i stop this addiction? ive been taking a prescription drug called xanax for about 2 1/2 years for a panic disorder. ive gotten my panic disorder under control now but it seems almost impossible to stop taking the pills. im scared of how ill feel if i dont take them anymore but they are starting to control my life. im only 22 years old and i dont want to take them forever. how do i stop? i already talked to my doctor and she said that i just have to slowly stop taking them but it seems like the harder i try the more i fail. if anyone knows how i can stop taking them without going through rehab please help me. follow your doc's orders.  xanax cannot be stopped abruptly.  you might want to ask your doctor if you can be prescribed something else for your anxiety that is not a controlled substance like paxil to deal with the initial panic you'll suffer.