Xanax is stronger than Ativan, but I quickly became addicted to that in October. I started at .5 at bedtime when I couldn't sleep and that turned into 5mg everynight and still couldn't sleep. So I switched to Topamax which is antianxiety and not a benzo. I tapered off the Ativan while titrated up the Topamax.

I'm sorry you are going through this, but good for you!!!