I don't see the point in having a break. If a couple can't sort things out together, then the relationship is pretty stuffed anyway.
You say that you want to make it work "no matter what". Does "no matter what" include your acceptance of her drinking and partying lifestyle? Will you hold your tongue no matter where she goes and how much she drinks? Because if you can't accept it (and I'm not saying that you should accept it), you need to chalk it down to incompatibility.
Never regret anything that has happened in your life. It cannot be changed, forgotten or undone. So, take it as a lesson learned and move on.