If an alcoholic goes cold turkey, they get potentially lethal withdrawal symptoms. Their need is not imaginary and their belief that they need to drink alcohol to avoid undesirable short-term consequences is “correct.” (Not to say they wouldn’t be better off without it.)
This doesn’t answer the question in any way.
EDIT: Alright, now I think I understand where we diverge - you are taking the difference to be between urges/craving and a cognitive, articulated desire (“I really feel like having a drink.” v. “I really know that I shouldn’t.”). But that’s not quite what I mean - I’m talking about “I really feel like I need blood for sustenance” v. “I believe that I need to drink blood to survive.” - which really seem practically indistinguishable to me.
EDIT 2: Nah, I’m wrong. There is a difference, I get it now.
