Some have assumed that previous dispensations lived the Word of Wisdom as we live it today. This was not the case. Except for the priests in the temple and the order of the Nazarites (Lev 10:9; Judg 13:4), the consumption of wine or strong drink is not expressly forbidden in any Book of Mormon or Bible passage. Rather, the excessive use of alcohol is discouraged. As Paul wrote, be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (Eph 5:18). During his ministry, the Savior drank wine with the spiritually infirm. For this, he was accused of being a wine-bibber (Matt 11:19). Many have gone to great lengths to prove that the wine that the Savior drank was new wine, or in other words, grape juice. This represents a misunderstanding of the scriptures and the use of alcohol under the Mosaic law.
None of the above discussion is meant to absolve the wicked king Noah. Certainly, he had crossed the line of prudent and righteous behavior—not only becoming a drunkard himself but encouraging the same among his people. The carnal must have been happy with his extravagant rule, endorsing alcoholic consumption and sexual promiscuity.