Hi Amber, yes, I was exactly where you were 2 years ago - still on xanax, calling it my "wonder drug" and then wondering why my AF was getting so much worse. If your serious about getting off the xanax (a very wise move) do consider checking into and registering at benzodetoxrecovery.com rather then following Professor Ashton's cut and suffer method. Whatever you do dont let anyone talk you into a detox center, they don't work and will make you much worse. You cannot detox off a benzo or any way cold turkey it. (been there done that and it was horrific)
If you don't know whats causing your AF it will make it that much harder to treat and/or cure it. Its great that you already understand and respect a benzos profound impact on ones HPA.. it will take a much gentler tapering approach to get you well.