I think you just need to be more patient Winelover and I know you probably don't want to hear that. Change won't happen over night and it will take a lot of work, on a daily basis to change your life and make those emotional changes that you're talking about. The thing is, if you're like me, you were drinking to cover up your feelings. I didn't know how to deal with my emotions, so I hid from them. When I stopped drinking, the learning process began. It will take some time, so just be patient.
And I've found that striving for balance (not necessarily achieving it) is the answer. Every day I have to pay attention to myself physically, spiritually and emotionally.
You're doing great!