Hi Ray and welcome to the forum. I’m sure you will be reading the other threads here and I’m sure you will be reading stories that you can relate to. You will also be reading the success stories – what are they doing that you can apply to your own situation?
It sounds as if when you previously went around those circles of support you were, as you say, still holding on to the gambling dream. Don’t rule out revisiting some of those other support options now that you have decided to let that dream go.
Keep posting and let us know what positive steps you are taking.