Tapering worked for me. It's definitely not for everyone. I was a hardcore drunk around 2 years. 24 pack of beer a night. Didn't take long to develop a beer gut lol. I'd drink less and less until I got down to 2 beers a night then quit. Hardly any withdraw symptoms. Some insomnia and slight shakes but no nausea. I've taught myself to drink in moderation. It was hard but can be done. Now I don't even crave the stuff. I can still go to dinner and if I want to drink a beer I'm satisfied with just one.
Hang in there man. Go get yourself some candy or ice cream. It helps to curb the cravings