If you have used rubbing alcohol and gotten away with it, more power to you. But I wouldn't recommend it. Rubbing alcohol contains some water, and possibly oils and other ingredients.
Rubbing alcohol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
When the scroll ball sticks, it can be loosened up by hold the ball down and rolling it int he direction it is sticking. It can take a while to free up, especially as the sticking begins to repeat frequently.
The ball assembly can be repalced by the user, and it is fairly simple to do. My adivce is search and find video on youtube, watch several a few times, then search for a replacement kit. Don't buy the cheapest you can find. You can probably get a good kit for 10 dollars US or equivalent, plus shipping.