Alprazolam (Xanax) is medically useful for up to 2-3 weeks while non-addicting medications can take effect to help panic attack disorders. It can also be used to ease anxiety after a severe life-changing event such as a death in the family, divorce or loss of job.

Alprazolam is particularly more addicting than other tranquilizers due to its short duration of action. Approximately 4 hours after taking an Alprazolam, it's effects decrease and withdrawal can occur. This leads to the patient craving another pill in 4 hours.

When combined with the increased tolerance to alprazolam that occurs over time, this leads to rapid escalation to abuse. Some patients are not told about the severe rapidly developing dependency that occurs with alprazolam when taken for over 2 months time. In addition, there is a high street value on this drug.