Salmacis,
Just one more in a long line of folks who wants to encourage you and support you in your journey. It really does get better or other people wouldn't keep doing it either! There is a goofy saying, but it can be helpfull, "don't try to get well by Thursday" it is going to take time, but you will feel better. Another one is, "it get's different before it gets better" For some people, when they get sober, it feels worse because they are feeling and not self medicating. As others have writen, the emotion highs and lows are normal. That's why people who have some years around the program report they don't ever want to repeat that first year again because it is tough. But you get through it and it is worth it one day (one minute) at a time. Just for today, my friend.