I would really talk to your therapist about your concerns. Medication wouldn't necessarily need to be permanent but could really help in the short term, along with therapy. You would need to talk to your therapist and doctor about whether they are considering short- or long-term medications.

The decision for me was when it was put in terms of the illness. If for example you were diabetic and needed insulin to live a happy, healthy life would you do it? Would you take the medication, even for the rest of your life, if it then allowed you to live your life well? Mental illness is no different. The medications are different but the reasons for them is the same. The purpose is not to alter who you are or your thinking, and if you can get on the right dose that can happen. The purpose is to allow you to be the best you can be and to live your life happily.

I would speak to your doctor about the alcohol. I know that there are ways around it so they may be able to find medications that are not affected by alcohol.