For those having a tough time at night try a supplement with Inositol, Magnesium, and Glycine.
Myocalm is one that has worked for me. Unlike stuff like melatonin (which you could also add for initially getting asleep) it helps slow your brain down.
Alcohol does a good job about pushing the stress you are using it to forget to just kick it down the road. For a lot of people it takes a week or so for that next day anxiety to go away.
For a lot of you don't think you are alone with this. A large portion of people in my field are functioning alcoholics that are successful in their jobs. Slowly they went from a nightcap to having several liquor drinks every night and is difficult to go to sleep without alcohol. I mean a lot of people. Some are drinking over 3 handles a week.
Most people I know go right back to it after a few weeks. I will say you need to make sure your significant other or close friends know what you are going through. If they truly care about you they will help you get through this. There are also those who say they are your friends but pull you back in, kick those people out of your life.