No one purposefully sets out to have problems when they begin to use alcohol. But excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for many health and social problems and is the third leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.
Problem drinking can develop suddenly in response to a genetic predisposition or a stressful life change. Or it can creep up gradually as a person’s tolerance to alcohol increases.
The bottom line is how alcohol affects you. If drinking is causing problems in your life it’s likely you have a problem with your use of alcohol.