Like other benzodiazepines, Xanax was developed to replace barbiturates, which are extremely addictive. It produces a sense of calm that makes it helpful for treating anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders.
When someone develops a dependency, they need to keep taking the drug to feel normal and avoid withdrawal symptoms. Over time, they may feel the need to increase their dosage to preserve the effects.
This pattern of dependency and abuse can lead someone to go to several doctors to get multiple Xanax prescriptions. This drug seeking behavior is dangerous, but buying Xanax on the street is even more risky.
Fake Xanax is common and the street, and even drugs that do contain Xanax are often cut with other drugs such as the opioid fentanyl.