I didn't have much of problem until my mid-20's, working full-time, and using alcohol to relax alone as well as to socialize. But the hangovers were killer and and I just couldn't resist drinking when I got off work.
The problems added up quickly. A DUI, reckless spending, black-outs, work problems etc. Still the worst part of drinking for me was having to wake up the next day and work as you are miserable and on the verge of a panic attack. Took me years to break the cycle and by the end I was severely depressed, overweight, and unemployed.