firestorm,
I know what you mean! When I first was hearing that "grateful alcoholic" in AA, it just didn't jibe with my experience at the time.
So, I know this is going to sound crazy too. If I hadn't really needed and wanted to get sober, I would have been driven nuts by my other issues. Since I had to put a lot of effort into my recovery, I became a better person all the way around. I no longer have to take myself so seriously. I can admit it when I'm wrong. I can walk an honest path.
I don't know how to better explain it. I hope you come to know that feeling too.
Love,
Lenina