Our speaker was a navy chaplain. Surely he saw the worst abuse of alcohol, because sailors are notorious for their heavy drinking. But not everyone who drinks gets burned alive in an electric wire. In fact, not everyone who drinks gets drunk. To drink for taste, maybe a glass of wine with dinner, for a celebration, or even a gathering of friends.
People can, and do, use alcohol without abusing it.
Now, I'm not saying problems don't exist. Addiction is serious business, but one doesn't become addicted after one drink. I would even argue that alcohol addiction does not come from the substance itself, but from some deeper issue within the person. But on a societal level I think the misuse and abuse of alcohol comes from fear, particularly in the Christian context. Drinking at meals is a perfect example, particularly in Europe.