The Nation : More Drinking to Excess

A growing number of U.S. adults admit they sometimes drink more than they should, according to the Gallup Poll. It found that 32% of drinkers acknowledge that they at least occasionally overindulge, contrasted with 23% in 1978 and 18% in 1974. The new survey also shows the proportion who say drinking has been a cause of trouble in their families remaining at a high level. Currently, 21% cite drinking as a family problem, nearly double the 12% recorded in 1974. The survey found that currently, two Americans in three drink alcoholic beverages. Last year, the figure was 64%.