1) whats the science behind rational recovery?
Cognitive behavioral or emotional therapy technique as I understand it.
2&3) when the AVRT is mentioned is that just a framework of identifying how we self justify or is it considered a separate entity to "self"?
While I understand the beast concept it never worked for me. To me, I understood my addictive behavior as a protective mechanism not an evil beast. My mind is craving something it cannot achieve naturally so its calling out for me to pacify, as a protection mechanism. To me this is more in response to my ego or false self vs. a reptilian brain function. This is perhaps where RR and I were unable to make a fit - not a cut just my experience. Many others have had great success with this.