Hey ZenLifter,
Glad to see another lifter in here like myself. Yeah, I can relate a lot to what you're saying. I often find myself in an emotional roller coaster from time to time. I sometimes feel people, who have good intentions, are saying things to hurt me...normally I wouldn't take it the way I do now. Sobriety I believe makes us feel more of what we used to try to drown out.
Now when I feel down and out about something or what someone says, rather than dwelling on it or doing what I did a few months ago that got me in trouble...I take it out on some weights at the gym. I lift heavy and put my focus on turning my emotional scars into physical strength...plus I look and end up feeling better in the process.