By the end of my active alcoholism I was drinking mostly hard liquor between a fifth and liter of rum or vodka a day. A 115 lbs woman, btw. I've attempted tapering a few times, each time unsuccessful in my case. What worked for me was cold turkey after a bad binge, but I would not recommend my method as I had not sought medical assistance for it -- would not repeat that one. I was seriously dependent on alcohol, both physically and mentally. It was a scary detox for me, despite knowing nowadays there are much better ways if we get our a$$es to the doctor.