I also found that drop bars did not work well for me commuting. However I find flat or riser bars to be very uncomfortable. Moustaches work very well to give several hand positions and provide good control and easy braking.
Another option would be to raise the drop bars much higher. This will allow a more comfortable use of the hoods and drops. Something like the ON-ONE Midge may work even better as it is wide with a shallow drop.
You can try out the moustache bars fairly cheaply by getting a Nashbar Moustache bar.
Craig