Hi Hopeful,
You are definitely not alone.
I began to use alcohol to self-medicate when I was in my mid-forties. It seemed like everything came together - difficult job, two teenagers, a husband who travelled a lot, increasing insomnia and depression, and for sure, alcohol helped for a little while. But, that's horrible lure of this disease. It gets you hooked and then it controls you.
I'm glad you are seeking help. I found books very helpful to me in my recovery.