@Pickledlemons you were initially drawn to Xanax because it helped get rid of chest pains?
As in, the chest pains came before you started taking them?
Yes, well thats not exactly the entire story.
I once bought a very large amount of xanax back when I never really used it, this was 10 years ago maybe. So I just used it on occasion here and there, not really getting any recreational effect but still taking it if I was sick or needed to pass out - but yes I did notice it helped with my chest pressure which I remember existing as far back as I can remember.
But I had a pretty traumatic event on new years 2021 I think it was, and thats when occasional turned into daily use and thats also when I started vaping after being completely nicotine free for 10 years, and thats also when I starting doing other drugs like mushrooms and coke on occasion. Basically, I was so psychologically hurt by something that happened between me and some loved ones, that I just couldn't face it. So I'd be lying if I said it was all because of the chest pressure, but yes, that was ALWAYS a factor in my use.
Not sure if its relevant but I have a a very specific memory about 6 years ago, when I was out on the town one night, and wanted to get some coke, but couldn't find any, so settled for some crack. I don't usually do crack so I totally forgot how strong it was, so in my drunk stupor I took the biggest hit my lungs could take, and holy shit I never in my life felt like I was having a heart attack more than at that moment. I eventually recovered - but my chest pain has become seemingly permanently worse after that episode.

I rememeber it bothering me nonstop the entire next week at work, and the next. And then you know, it kind of gets better, and you just kind of learn to live with it. Its hard to say how much is each.