I know what you mean about the black cloud. I have had a lot of things happen this last year that just seemed like it was going to beat me into submission. One I blamed for sending me back to the bottle after 64 days. I didnt think I had a problem then, so I used it as an excuse to drink. Now, I know and have admitted I have a problem. Alcohol has a way of amplifying the lows, in my opinion. I heard a preacher once say the shepards prayer says " I walk through the valley of the shadow of death", not lie down, build a home or wallow in it. So its a path, one we all take, but we don't have to live there. Keep on walking, and come out the other side sober, stronger, and wiser to handle the next valley down the road.