Does Proverbs 31:6 mean that one is allowed to use alcohol?

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The short answer is "no"." This verse has to be taken in the context of verses 4 and 5, which says, Prov 31: 4 “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; 5Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty,” Obviously, the counsel given before explains why rulers should not imbibe. Prov 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Because of the debilitating mental effect, it was ill advisable for anyone in responsible positions to use fermented wine or strong drink. Take special notice that the use of alcoholic beverages perverts the good judgment of those that use it. And also, it leads them to forget the law, something that the writer of Proverbs considers unthinkable. He also writes in chapter 28 the following: Prov 28:4,9 “Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them. 9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law. This ironic suggestion points to not ever giving a strong drink to a ruler if giving it to anyone at all. Rather, give it to someone whose decision-making has no impact on anyone. Apparently, in ancient times the only pain reducers were made of liquor mixed with certain drugs and given to people who were dying and in pain, or who had severe grief. During the crucifixion, a mixture was given to convicts to lessen their agony. This was done to Christ: “They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink” (Matthew 27:34). Christ’s example of refusal eloquently testifies to the danger of mind-distorting drugs such as alcohol.