I think when we've been engaged in the battle for a long time (26 years for you), the mental part isn't going to go away as quickly. I found that the concept of AVRT (as well as mindfulness) helped me a lot...... if I can look at my thoughts as simply that, just thoughts, and not get involved in them but just see them as old thoughts left over from my days of addiction, it helps me put them in perspective.
I like that you're declaring that you're in charge, not your addiction. It will eventually get the message. Hang in there!:ghug3