Some people hate to drink alone. I never had that problem, but I've heard others do. Of course, it could be there will come a time when he won't be able to just turn it off. Alcoholism is progressive and people can drink for years and years and appear to have it under control. Then, all of a sudden, they can't control it anymore. This guy is playing with fire, but that's his problem. Don't let anyone try to force you to drink more than you want.