This may be a simplistic answer, Fini, but for me at least, my understanding is that is so because that is how the Beast is defined - that's what it is, that messed up survival drive that simply must have that drink. And the thoughts of drinking, regardless of consequence, are AV.
How do I see IT as separate from me? They are separate because I made that considered covenant for permanent and unconditional sobriety, a Big Plan. The act of making this covenant provides a means of understanding a separation. OK, it creates a separation? Maybe 'permits' is closer to my understanding. There isn't a separation until a bp is made.
How does this seem to you, fini?