I Did Not Have A Clue That I Was Addicted

I did not have a clue that I was addicted to Xanax until I made an appointment with a mental health provider for depression. My PCP prescribed me xanax when my husband died 12 years ago and has increased the mg to 2 mg 3x daily without me ever questioning why the need for the increase. However, I never have taken 3 a day. Normally, 1 mg in the morning And 2 mg at night. Just hearing the words that I was an addict made me just stop altogether. Not a good idea. The mental health provider decreased to .5 twice a day. I have learned the hard way that I needed to taper off. I never would have guessed that I would have withdrawals. I have had to take a medical leave to endure this process. How long will it take to get through this process while tapering? I want this medicine out of my system asap.