I've had 3 different doctors and one therapist encourage me to just cut back or have a few sober months, despite being in and out of hospital dozens of times over a few years and drinking enough to poison someone. Most of my friends from back then don't get it either and encouraged me to just 'have a few'
It's easy to say get new Drs (or friends), but it might be that some of us live in a culture where alcoholism and complete sobriety are not understood by many. Sorry you've had that experience too.
In regard to tapering, that was the advice I always got from GPs, have you tried going to hospital? Emergency Drs seem to take it a bit more seriously (as they should) and should give you medication if you need it.