Q:  Does a Person Have to be Alcoholic to Experience Problems from Alcohol?

No. Even if you are not alcoholic, abusing alcohol can have negative results, such failure to meet major work, school, or family responsibilities because of drinking; alcohol-related legal trouble; automobile crashes due to drinking; and a variety of alcohol-related medical problems.

Under some circumstances, problems can result from even moderate drinking--for example, when driving, during pregnancy, or when taking certain medicines. (See also "Publications", Alcohol Alert No. 30: Diagnostic Criteria  for Alcohol Abuse and Dependence.)