Xanax addiction from the past?

27 years old. When I was 19, I started taking xanax and got hooked. By the time I was in my early twenties, I was taking more than 6 a day and *sometimes* drinking on top of that. I even snorted it a few times. It all ended when I had a seizure and wound up handcuffed to the hospital bed in the ER. I used to mix xanax with other prescription drugs too. Long story short I was suppressing emotions. I realized I had a problem back when I was 15 or so. When I had a cold, I used to take a lot of the cough medicine until I passed out (not just the recommended 2 tablespoons)

I have been off of xanax for a few years. I basically did this by becoming a hermit and not going out. This caused social problems for me. I am so much better now and own a home and hold a job. The problem is, every time I meet a new girl I really like, I feel like I want to start abusing it again. I have tried the whole counseling thing and it doesn't do much for me. What should I do?

Try narcotics anonymous.

I think that it's really important that you realized when you first started abusing drugs that you were suppressing your emotions. You might want to ask yourself what it is about women that is making you so anxious. You said you tried counseling and that it is not for you. From my own experience, sometimes you need to look until you find a counselor that is right for you. There are also different types of counseling to consider- group, etc.. Recognizing that your using drugs so that you don't have to deal with something that is frightening you is a huge step to better health. In my opinion, I think that you should get a complete physical from your internist just to make sure that there is nothing else going on and than start an exercise program and stick with it. When your strong physically you'll start feeling better about yourself and more in control mentally.