Thrifty,
I would caution you on too much dialog. Reasoning as to why you no longer drink alcohol is fine, just not as a dialog with the AV. My response to the AV is simply, "too bad, I don't drink and I never will, go back to your corner".
That keeps the rationalizong by the AV under control. When you open discussion you are giving the beast ammunition for self doubt, don't do this. The beast is smart, (just not as smart as you) and will use every dirty mind trick available to get it's stuff. Simply don't allow it.
As for the moments of heightened activity, I always put the beast back in his cage in the corner and find something to do. Anything to get your mind off of that moment, spend time with your wife or kids, cook a meal, anything.