Why do you drink?

I drink because I need to sleep, I have a hard time sleeping, my thoughts race, I have nightmares and when I drink I can sleep (pass-out). I never used to drink unless it was a special occasion but in this past year I can count more days drinking than going to sleep sober. I want to stop but it's so hard to lay there awake and not be able to sleep. I never knew what a hangover was until a few months ago. I tried to stop a few times but I just can't seem to go for more than 2-3 days then I'm drinking again until the next crappy hangover.

I have told a few close people in my life and they all say I'm not an alcoholic because I don't drink "all day."

Why do you drink? How can I fix this? I want to stop but I just can't seem to get help and then it's just easier to have a few drinks and sleep.