四级冲刺练习阅读（153）_大学英语阅读

四级冲刺练习阅读（153）

　　Surveys commissioned by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services define heavy drinking the point over which harm is scientifi cally measurable as one ounce of absolute alcohol daily. This is the amount contained in slightly more than two 12-ounce cans of beer, two 6-ounce glasses of table wine , or two l1/2-ounce jiggers of hard liquor . Based on those figures, HHS surveys classify nine percent of adults as heavy drinkers, with men outnumbering women three or four to one.

　　Why do people drink? When queried in another Gallup poll, 54 percent said they did it for social reasons, 18 percent drank for relaxation, 16 percent because they enjoy it, while 10 percent drank only on special occasions. You cant go to a party with a certain circle of friends and not have any drinks, said a California housewife. Its mostly habit we get together, we drink. An Illinois executive drinks to unwind after work. With people screaming at you all day, you need a couple of whiskies to become civilized again.

　　Of those who drink for conviviality or relaxation, most feel they could give it up without ill effect. However, studies by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism indicate that 21 percent of even moderate drinkers become psychologically dependent on alcohol: they think they need it. Another 14 percent are symptomatic drinkers, meaning they are physically dependent and have difficulty in controlling their drinking, suffer blackouts, skip meals while drinking, sneak偷偷地拿) drinks, etc.