All I know is, if left unchecked it will escalate.
I went through periods of drinking in my life but the way I drank didn't change over the years. I drank to get smashed and to block something out, good or bad and if your doing it to block out feelings that is not a good sign. You will eventually have to face them. Try doing that now while you still can. Don't wait another 20 years like some of us.