Oh yeah, I also know about the quitting/cutting down thing.
My drug wasn't alcohol but pills. For the past 7 years I have tried to quit them and go through the withdrawals. I tried weaning myself but it never worked. I then tried giving pills to a friend to give to me at planned times, but I always bothered her for more. It was never something I had the right to do to her.
It wasn't until I just QUIT that I finally made some progress. Scott made a great point about this. I am only on day 6, but going through the flames of withdrawal after making the choice to just quit, and be done with the pills, has been tough but I am making more progress than I ever have before.
We all know it's scary. Please remember that you are not alone. We have all tried something similar to this, and like Scott said, it doesn't work.