Icewolf, vodka had me buy the throat also. You're story sounds close to mine. I started out with beer also for about 15 years, then I was turned on to vodka. I was to the point where I would only use a beer as a chaser. I too used to swig the cheap stuff. I litterally was a blackout drinker evey night.
I found the best way for me to keep of the poisen was to go into detox and follow AA. So far so good.
I know it's tough but this will kill you.