Welcome CIT!
Who knows what he is going through, maybe he's having a hard time with work, other family members and using this to cope. Though he does sound like he may be developing a problem, only he can decide while you observe. For many the disease takes hold later in life. If this is completly new behavior, maybe something else is going on, then maybe again, his tendency toward alcoholism is just starting to develop. Please visit our Friends and Family forum to get additional support.
Alcoholism has no age limits, it's cunning, baffling and powerful and will progress. In the meantime we will be here.