If the reason is stress, scaling back is probably the wisest option, but if that is not possible for one reason or another, and mental problems enter the mix, people should never be afraid to seek out professional medical help.

I also used alcohol to self-medicate for anxiety. And while in many countries there is a strong stigma against "just taking a pill" to help with this sort of thing, it's a hell of a lot better than becoming an alcoholic.