I think the first step towards self-improvement is realizing that you have a problem and then having a plan, even if it is just taking some deep breaths, before you react.

I have issues with patience as well and often it is because of hunger or some other reason that is not acceptable. I too have regrets about the way I behaved towards people in the past and it haunts me and keeps me awake at night sometimes.

I know people who have issues and get it diagnosed and some doctor puts them on pills and now they think they get to get away with anything because a psychiatrist agreed with them (which I think they often do in order to prescribe pills) and then these people don't actually make any meaningful changes in their lives, they just blame the illness. I'm not saying genuine mental health issues don't exist, the definitely do and I know a few guys with severe PTSD that got seriously messed up by the military and are now barely functioning members of society. I truly feel bad for these people and will always help them whenever I can.

But there is another demographic of people that are just assholes, or drunks, or drunk assholes. I have zero sympathy for these folks.

Anyway, I kind of hijacked your story there pal but it is good to see that you saw the proverbial writing on the wall and decided to make a meaningful change in your life.