Is 16 too young to be an alcoholic?

I have a 16 yr old friend that started drinking when he was 14. hes mom beats him and his dad died from a drug overdose. he has 10 siblings so he has a pretty hard life. but can you be an alcoholic at age 16 if u start drinking at 14? he drinks everyday, droped out of school, is pretty much always drunk and if hes not then hes in bed throwing up. hes gotten really skinny and sick looking, he hardly eats, and hes not social at all. does he sound like an alcoholic? i need to help him, hes my best bud.