I have severe hot flashes and night sweats. My DH told me last week that he had to come to bed with a snorkel and mask! Alcohol consumption made absolutely no difference as neither did caffeine or chocolat. I had hot flashes before and after I quit all three. I also am self-employed and have to pay an enormous deductable for any drug. (My insurance kicks in about $3!) I'm leary of any drug anyway. So. I read about how to handle hot flashes and one of the methods that actually worked was...breathing. When you get the first glimmer of a hot flash, slowly breathe in to the count of five, hold, lungs full; and slowly breathe out to the count of five and hold, lungs empty.
The sensation is one of calming control. Best of luck. Also, this too shall pass.