For a split second that felt totally justified, but since I no longer drink, I was able to recognize it as just the old AV.
That is exactly how you do it! Well done, Tursiops. You have made your decision about the future use of alcohol, and because of your Big Plan, that thought of drinking can have only one source - your AV. It isn't you. This is the recognition thing done right.
It's a good time to be mindful and appreciate the magnitude of what you just accomplished. This is big. A milestone. A game changer. At a real low point, you put the machinery into action, and you did it. Congratulations, tursiops. Well done!
You can remember this next time you hear that AV, and use this success to remind you that you really can do this. Onward!