How you cope with stressful situations isn't going to suddenly change. GP's love Xanax, but it's a crappy drug. You need something longer acting like Ativan, Librium, or Klonopin. You probably also need counseling.
I got over this paranoia and anxiety before so I should again. Although this time my perception of reality is a bit surreal which makes it a bit worse. I'll see what the Doctor says when I see him.
All benzodiazepines are dangerous as drugs of abuse because of the potential in some individuals to cause withdrawal seizures when they abruptly stop taking them rather than tapering off. They're still incredibly useful under the supervision of a physician for treating anxiety and alcohol withdrawal.
I took it for about 3 months for off label use. It wasn't the easiest thing to come off of. There was always a desire to take another one. That went away after a few weeks. Here is an addiction community. http://www.benzobuddies.org/