Heavy drinkers were defined as those admitting to drinking six or more drinks every day or most days. This pattern of alcohol consumption which is equivalent to 80 or more grams of ethanol per day, puts them at 'high risk' of physical and/or psychosocial complications. Eleven percent of 23,673 males and 1% of 19,803 females who had a Medicheck screening were heavy drinkers. The most frequent reasons given for heavy drinking were relaxation, social contact and enjoyment of the taste. Most heavy drinkers felt that they drank more than was good for them but did not consider themselves to be 'sick' people in need of treatment. Heavy drinkers had a higher prevalence of psychosocial problems than moderate or light drinkers.