Can Xanax Be Taken Only When Needed?

I have anxiety attacks frequently. It is to the point that I don t leave the house unless I have to! I am 47 years old and done counciling since I was 20. I currently don t go to therapy anymore. I feel that I have dealt with all my past experiences and I accept my Life today. I just want to live my life to the fullest but my anxiety is a huge wall l can t get over! My Psychiatrist put me on Xanax for 18 years and I have been taken off of it 2 years ago. I had some left so I take 1 mg two or three times a month so I can get every day things done.( Like grocery shopping, going to my child s activities, anything that relates to being in public or around order people! I avoid any situation I can if it involves a lot of people! Is it wrong to expect a Doctor to prescribe Xanax to take only when needed? I would be monitored so I can t abuse the situation! I just can function like any other person if I take a Xanax and it just takes the edge off. My life is not what I want because I am extremely anxious all the time! Thank you.