I'm not sure what to say, because I'm doing something very simlar lately...Sometimes (most days) I'm just too overwhelmed, from the smallest things, the anxiety just creeps up on me and then I use my unhealthy coping techniqes because nothing else seem to work.
Maybe "waiting it out" would work but when the feelings are too intense, I just can't.

If it's considered a substance abuse issue, I don't know, been wondering the same. I guess it depends if you are able to stop. But this is not easy to figure out. Or if you need to drink even when you are not stressed, anxious.

I was not drinking anything for two days and I told to myself I'm okay, but not sure this is a good way to assess the sitation.

I usually drink variable amounts, it depends. Sometimes one drink, and I'm okay. Sometimes much more..

I'm sorry you're going through very stressful times lately
You're definitely not a failure