Here is how I experience Xanax..
If I’m not anxious, it makes me sleepy in a very unpleasant way, like how delirium feels. So, I don’t use it recreationally.
When I need it, when I’m supersuper anxious, I have a giant knot in my stomach keeping me from being able to breathe normally, pulse and heart are racing, can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t think, can’t function. At this point, I turn to Xanax or alcohol. They both have a similar effect, though of course the Xanax is so without getting intoxicated (so, staying clear-headed).
The knot begins to unravel. My body begins to relax. I start to be able to breathe again. It feels f-ing amazing, the relief after such huge anxiety.
It does not solve anxiety long-term, it’s simply for acute anxiety.