He's rationalizing by saying it's not that bad or only a little. If he does other stuff and/or drinks that's not good either.
Family alcoholic started with underage drinking, concerts & partying to adult drinking and partying. "occassional" was replaced or supplemented by steroids, sports drinks and other stuff. After stimulant type drugs the user frequently wants to slow or calm themselves down with other drugs including alcohol.
The rationalizing is the red flag to me. I think some call it minimizing as well. But it's his excuse.