This wasn't a useless post, none of them are from any of us here. You got it off your chest and that's a good thing!!
Definitely baby steps. Whatever direction you are going, baby steps are just fine. I took a million of those baby steps to get to the peace I enjoy today. You will get there, wherever there is for you...Hugs, you're doing good! Now, go do something with your DS away from the perpetual victim/drunk and ENJOY it! You are allowed to enjoy life.