You're empathetic Jeni, that's no bad thing.
That said though, focusing on the negative is a bad habit. I do it all the time. Although it sounds a bit trite I find that it does help to counteract every negative with a positive. It's all about balance. Yes this guy relapsed, but he came straight back to AA. That takes guts and he should be an inspiration.
I don't know if this will come out wrong but sometimes I find the most depressing shares can be the most uplifting. It takes me out of myself and stops things being about me and starts them being about the other person and what I could do to help them. I am in no position to help anyone however so I just give people hugs. You can never have enough hugs...:ghug3