Quitting alcohol made my stresses much harder to handle. It turned out I had been fooled for years into thinking that alcohol helped in any way, immediate or long term. It made everything harder, and I learned that my stress was largely a result of drinking. Drinking actually caused my anxiety and stress and depression.
I decided one day that I was going to face my *stuff* sober, and at that moment, I felt a huge weight lifted from me. I knew I was strong, and smart, and resilient, and that I could do this. I could figure out a way. It was the right decision, and I have never looked back. My 'work' to stay sober has been nothing more than understanding that I have succeeded in changing almost every aspect of my life for the better by simply quitting alcohol.
You, MizH, can do this too. Make that decision for yourself, and you will see your own way forward. Best to you.