Cripes! There's alot of stuff written on here since my last post. I don't feel experienced enough to join the debate.
Mesaman, thanks for your post its encouraging to think that the AV noise will lesson over time. I like that you said that with the BP/AVRT sobriety can be immediate, but having it become the new normal takes time. That is just about where I'm at right now. I'm enjoying my new normal.
Since I made my BP I feel confidant/ secure that I will never drink/drug again and I will never change my mind. I am well equipped to deal with the AV...Any thought/ feeling of drinking/drugging, in whatever guise it presents itself to me.
I think it's good to know that absence of AV is not either a good or bad thing, not black nor white. I've found it helpful to read these post. Although I can't add anything to the discussion. I'm just pleased that I don't drink/drug.