Q: Does it get better?

Yes, but the underlying problem has to be solved.

I resented a lot of people. I had secrets. I had a catalogue of unamended harm towards others behind me. I owed money. I thought only of myself. These will cause pain and leave a person thirsty.

Until everyone was forgiven, the secrets were disclosed, the amends were made, payment plans were in place, and life was switched from focused on giving not getting, the pain did not go, and drink called to me.

The magic is that concerted action towards those objectives provides sufficient relief both from the pain and from the compulsion to drink until those objectives are attained.

The solution lies in the hands of the individual.