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Survey: 80% of People Are Forced to Drink
The survey results reveal the overall drinking habits of Chinese people, highlighting three main issues: First, drinking has become a norm. The survey shows that only 19.8% of people rarely drink, while the remaining 81.2% are exposed to alcohol to varying degrees. Second, Chinese people have a preference for baijiu (white liquor). Among various alcoholic beverages, 50.8% of people chose baijiu, 40% chose red wine or beer, and 13.8% mix different types of alcohol. Third, alcohol consumption remains high. 37.5% of people can drink more than 150 grams of baijiu in one sitting, and 18.2% drink 1-3 bottles of beer each time. Data shows that China consumes about 30 billion kilograms of alcohol annually. Furthermore, multiple reports indicate that the public has serious problems regarding alcohol knowledge and consumption levels.
Why do Chinese people drink so much? The survey suggests that many are "forced to drink" due to social pressures. Nearly 80% of people drink under "work and social obligations," often to please a superior, ask for a favor, protect a boss from drinking, or for business negotiations. Many start by being forced to drink but later begin drinking on their own, finding it a way to relieve stress. Drinking seems to have become a tool for alleviating social pressure, and "relationship drinking" happens daily.
What is most shocking is the harm alcohol does to health. Many hospitals report that during holidays and even after regular dinners, they receive numerous patients sent for emergency treatment for alcohol poisoning, most of whom are unconscious and in very dangerous conditions. The survey also found many people suffering from health issues such as "stomach discomfort, poor sleep, elevated blood pressure and blood sugar, and fatty liver" after drinking. Experts state that the liver is most damaged by excessive alcohol consumption, as about 90% of alcohol is metabolized by the liver. A single episode of binge drinking is equivalent to getting hepatitis.
Moderate drinking can be beneficial to health, but excessive drinking inevitably causes harm. Experts recommend a formula for calculating alcohol intake: "Amount of alcohol consumed × alcohol concentration × 0.8 = total alcohol intake." Experts also remind that if you must drink, it is best to pay attention to the following points:
1. Control your intake and strictly follow the recommended standards.
2. Try to slow down your drinking pace; avoid gulping.
3. Before drinking, eat some starchy and high-protein food to line your stomach.
4. While drinking, drink plenty of water; whenever you have a break from alcohol, drink water.
5. Eat more "cooling" foods, such as cold cucumber salad.
6. It is best not to mix different types of alcohol.