1. Definitely, your taste will grow accustomed to bourbon with time, just like with beer - remember, savoring bourbon is an acquired taste.
2. The "rubbing alcohol" feeling lessens over time, though the 'burn' is part of bourbon's character.
3. Smaller sips - Enjoy it, let it swirl around your mouth, it's not a race.
4. Try some smoother bourbons like Bulleit or Woodford Reserve, these are common and not overly expensive. They have nice flavor profiles and tend to be easier for beginners. You can buy them from Costco, they have a wide selection at reasonable prices. You can find on Costcofdb.com the prices for each bottle.
Starting out with bourbon is a bit like starting to enjoy black coffee or dark chocolate, it takes a little time.