Dalek

No, it isn't strictly necessary, and you could certainly quit for entirely unwholesome reasons. For example, if the wife paid you a lump sum to quit for good, you could certainly base your Big Plan on that alone. It does, however, make AV recognition so much easier, at least for me. Is wanting AV recognition to be easy itself AV? Probably.

People sometimes equate morality with religion, but people make moral decisions all the time regardless, based entirely on their own values. What you have done is simply decided that active addiction, and the lifestyle it entails, does not fit your idea of good, decent living. The decision that such a lifestyle is not appropriate for you is, in effect, a moral decision.

I was wondering if anyone would ask that. Good catch.

You are absolutely correct, though. Once the Big Plan has been made, it can replace all other reasons for abstaining. Trying to motivate yourself or build up confidence after the Big Plan is in effect implies self-doubt, or that the Big Plan isn't for real, which is addictive voice.

My previous 'no smoking' plan is obviously null and void by default, at least as an AVRT-style Big Plan. Since I had more pressing matters to consider (my job) when I made this Big Plan, though, and didn't put much thought into it beyond that, I'm just churning some thoughts over in my head. I'm aware that this may be an unnecessary, AV-laden academic exercise.

I'm impressed by the responses so far, though. Some solid AVRT in this thread!