A 60-year-old male veteran presents for an annual psychiatric follow-up. As part of routine screening, the PMHNP administers the AUDIT-C. The patient reports drinking 3-4 times per week, typically consuming 5-6 drinks per occasion, and having 6 or more drinks on a single occasion monthly. His AUDIT-C total score is 9. Which of the following statements about this screening result is most accurate?