A 38-year-old male presents for an initial psychiatric evaluation reporting anxiety and difficulty sleeping. During the assessment, the PMHNP administers the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the patient scores 22 out of 40. He reports drinking 4-5 beers most nights, occasional blackouts, and that his wife has expressed concern about his drinking. He states, 'I don't think I have a problem — I never drink in the morning and I've never missed work.' How should the PMHNP interpret and apply these AUDIT findings?