AluBall is used for straining the kava. If you go with instant or micronized, you might not need that. The members can give you help with the AluBall, I don't strain myself.
I will say this about Xanax though. If you take one today, you will need one tomorrow. If you don't take one tomorrow, your nerves will be wrecked and you end up hitting the bottle to relieve your nerves. Oh, when I say "you", I really meant me.
Kava is not that demanding. The next day you feel mellow but you don't feel compelled to do more ... unless you want to.