My two cents...
1.) I have experienced those flat moments and it turns out, the absence of emotions is just as much of a drinking trigger as high emotions can be!
We're learning that in life there will always be ebbs and flows, times of high drama and times of boredom and we want to be able to navigate all this without the crutch of alcohol because these states are never going anywhere.
2.) I don't know about blaming what you're currently feeling on PAWS.
I take care of a 90 year old with dementia and today she said this and I had to laugh.. "It's not always gonna be roses! That's life!" I adore that little feisty Italian. And agree with her 100%.