1.   Alcohol abuse has reached epidemic proportions in this country.

2.   Shoplifting has reached epidemic proportions and this gave rise to a lively discussion.

3.   Shoplifting has reached epidemic proportions.

4.   The assertion that this has reached epidemic proportions can not be challenged.

5.   The flu outbreak has reached epidemic proportions.

6.   Violent crime is reaching epidemic proportions in some cities.

7.   Worldwide sin is at epidemic proportions.

8.   And vaccine supplies start to run dry as the flu outbreak reaches epidemic proportions.

9.   An outbreak of a potentially lethal livestock pest has reached epidemic proportions in Iraq, and threatens neighboring countries, the United Nations said.

10.   And Dr. Alan H. Cohen, a pulmonologist at Morehouse School of Medicine, says it has reached epidemic proportions in the Atlanta area.