I tried and tried and tried to curb my drinking, and it never worked for me. The only thing that worked was AA, getting a sponsor and complete abstinence from alcohol.
I don't look at the fact that I can't drink for the rest of my life anymore, I just look at the fact that I wont drink today. I have done it that way for 6 months, and I am still working on the 1st step - I am powerless over alcohol and it makes my life unmanageable.