What the hell happened to me?

[Jabberwocky]

Yes, I think the HPA axis is where the problem lies. The trouble is how to fix it?

Your father should have some endocrinologist friends that can help you out.

Or you can search for HPA axis dysregulation - doctors treatments --

I can tell you that it is very difficult to fix/adjust the HPA axis while using alcohol.

Something that has worked for some is to get on a benzo -- and immediately start to taper off -- while also starting on a strenuous exercise regimen.

 

[splodge2001]

How do benzos help with this?

 

[Jabberwocky]

How do benzos help with this?

"Previous studies have demonstrated that classical benzodiazepines decrease hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical cortex (HPA) axis activity."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16125698

The hyperactivity of the HPA results in hyper-adrenalized responses to even perceived stressors -- panic, anxiety, just a shit-ass existence

Benzos dampen it.