The last time I had any type of alcohol, I was in 17 in high school. I've been clean and sober for 11+ years and plan on keeping it that way. I stopped drinking for two main reasons. The first, hangovers, I hated them. The second reason, at some point I realized that my body was healthy, and I just didn't want to do anything to change that.
As far as taking your pain and/or problems away, it depends. Alcohol is a downer and depending on where you're drinking, or who you're drinking with, being under the influence will actually make you "feel" more of what's ailing you.
Just say No, lol.