Hi TU,
I agree with what you are saying, mostly because the discussion can become centralized on how we got here instead of how to make this work.
What I like about AVRT is that it is EMPOWERING, instead of disempowering. And, NO, this has NOTHING to do with the "higher power" issue either. At least to me. I don't much care where the individual's inner strength originates, just so that inner strength is what is promoted and not suppressed.
In the medical field, part of patient/client care is to promote the concept of "self-determination". To me, AVRT fits that concept very well. Human beings fare so much better when they are empowered to make decisions for themselves, take CARE of themselves, and think independently.
Thank you for pointing out that the physical part of addiction really does fall back on the Beast. I had not separated that out clearly in my mind, and the concepts work even better for me now.
FT