Thank you Dr James...I am on alprazolam for anxiety right now and I keep uping my dosage (about 3mg a day now)...I am really nervous about getting off of it, because I have before and it wasn't fun (the withdrawel)...also, my anxiety came back again!!  It's very frustrating, but when I am on it, I'm not shy around people...I'm actually out-going and more positive & not nervous anxious about talking to or meeting people.  However, I am taking your advice (actually before I read your blog I did), and going to see a therapist next week.  I'm nervous because I am almost out of pills and the thought of it is actually making my palms sweat...I like your relaxation tips a lot(any other ideas for the "social anxiety thing"?.  Also,  I have to get off of it because I want to have a baby and I read that benzodiazapines are VERY dangerous to take when pregnant.  I'm just really scared about the whole process and feel like crying, but when I read what you wrote it made me feel a little more positive...Thank you :)