thats exactly what my ex said was his main reason for drinking. not having that big of an anxiety/stress problem it is hard for me to relate. but as i told him, it may relax you,but i think it adds to any depression you have. like a vicious circle. there are so many good anti-depressants on the market today. and they are not just for depression. they can treat anxiety,stress,obsessive compulsive disorder,etc etc.he was afraid he would get addicted to them,but i explained over and over, you dont.
there is also a new drug that is supposed to help with the alcohol cravings. i wish you would do what he didnt,and if you dont want to go to aa, go see a medical doctor with experience in this. over and over i am seeing that chronic drinking gets you nowhere.