Sawtooth, I will say ONE thing 'faith-related', then leave it alone.

"Do NOT blame G-d for what MEN do in His Name."

Your experience sounds a bit more extreme than most (although they ALL pretty much say they are "the one"); even as hard as it sounds for you now, I think you're better off.

One drink CAN affect you like that, if you have no tolerance at all built up; that's what it sounds like. If it's a change in your life you feel you want to make, then start slow. Maybe make the SIZE of the drink smaller (it's ALL up to you now), and/or have it between 7-9PM.

I grew up more or less around the stuff; I would frequently get drunk between ages 17 & 21. (I'm 53 now.) Less often after that (forbidden fruit syndrome, I think...lol), but it wasn't until about '91 that I decided that intoxication wasn't a state I enjoyed anymore. Since then, I have strictly regulated myself -- no more than 1 during the week, MAYBE 2 on a Saturday, and NEVER for the purpose of "feeling the alcohol". If the drink isn't a pleasant experience on its own, then I pass.

You will discover your own limits, tastes, and motivations; just remember to balance and moderate everything you do while you discover.