Welcome aussieblue. I did the same thing as you - got into my 50's & decided I could no longer go on the way I had. My health was suffering and my life was out of control.
We've fallen back on our crutch for so many years we can't imagine life without it. Yet we know it's no longer doing anything but making us miserable and sick. There's only one way to go - and you've found the right path. I had to learn to live in a new way, without getting numb and hiding from things. It was only hard for me in the beginning. Once I was clearheaded, & started to come out of my fog, I was very excited about my new life. Stay close by & let us know how you're doing.