Hi Darin, I think it is great you are being honest with yourself and this forum and not try to hide anything. It will help you along in your recovery. But why taper? Unless you need medical detox in which case it’s best to work with your doctor, why not just quit altogether and forever? We now know alcohol is no good for anyone, not even in moderation. This is what the recent studies show. As for alcoholism, it just gets worse. Yeah, there are people who continue drinking moderately (or claim to) but it’s a slippery slope. I also question folks who claim they are in control. Many lie to themselves and it’s plain to see for those of us sober. Why risk it? I went until my mid forties until I had a real out of control problem that got worse because of a very stressful period in my life. After that happened, I could never get back my former drinking pattern. Nor do I want to. Life is so much better without it.