There are a lot of opinions on this thread, which I am not sure I necessarily agree with. Opiates and benzos are addictive in different ways. I don't think we should underestimate the addictive nature of either. The effects of both types of drugs, however, are very different. Personally, I feel opiates are the most addictive substances, but this is not true for everyone. Some people do not even care for opiates, which I don't get, but whatever. The point of the matter that the OP wants addressed is whether or not Xanax carries more risk than other drugs he has been rx'd. I would say that it carries about the same risks as any benzodiazepine, although as I stated in my first post, alprazolam does hit very quickly and packs a punch. The very short duration of action can lead to quicker dependence and inter-dose wd's, but a benzo is a benzo, when it comes down to it.
You can take the alprazolam sublingually, and as you will find out there is a very interesting taste, to say the least. I hated it at first, but grew to like it. Odd, but that is what addiction/dependence will do. To the OP, you are well versed in opiates and benzos, this is just another benzo. Use carefully, but don't buy into your doctor's crazy fears.