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Statistics suggest he's right.
Those between the ages of 18 and 29 are more likely to engage in binge drinking, according to a National Health Surveillance Survey in 2007.
Men were also three times more likely to be binge drinkers.
Binge drinking can lead to long-term health problems like hypertension, stroke, liver cirrhosis and brain damage, said John, who has kept away from liquor for six months.
It can also lead to social and family problems, as he knows all too well.
"I had repeated situations when I promised to be there for family functions but I couldn't because I was out drinking," said the business executive in his 30s.
"What happened the night before or how I made it home each night was all a blur. I was losing control of my life."
John, who started drinking as a teen, said he was spending about $1,000 a week on drinks before he stopped.
John said: "In an hour, I would down eight to 10 shots of whiskey. I would soon pass out, sooner or later."
Getting help
When John realised it became harder for him to stay sober each day, he sought help by reading literature on alcohol addiction and seeing psychologists.
It didn't work - the lure of alcohol was just too strong.
Finally, friends recommended AA to him. That was more than a year ago.
"I think more people are seeing us because there is increased awareness that you can get help to treat your addiction," he said.
"Social problems do arise from alcoholism. If left untreated, it will affect those close to the alcoholic."
This article was first published in The New Paper.
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