Technologically gets rid of alcoholic gradually (6)

I believe the answer is:

gently

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'gradually' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for gently that I've seen before include "In mild and moderate manner, not in rough way" , "Softly, delicately" , "Not violently" , "'Softly, kindly (6)'" , "Mildly; gradually" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.

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