The question asks for an assumption that the arugment "depends on". In other words, an idea that is necessary to the author's reasoning. Therefore, we can use the Kaplan denial test.
Choice B reads: the statistics cited exclude deaths due to other alcohol-related events such as automobile accidents.
What if the statistics INCLUDED deaths due to automobile accidents? Then, it suggest that some of the alcohol-related deaths are due to things other than life-threatening diseases, and the author's argument falls apart. Thus, choice B is necessary to the author's reasoning.
Choice A may have been tempting. If the question stem had asked for a possibility that was overlooked by the author, then choice A would be correct. Or, if choice A had read "LESS likely" (instead of "more likely"), then choice A would be correct. But, as it stands, choice A weakens the argument. Thus, choice A cannot be the assumption. (Assumptions are unstated EVIDENCE, and thus help--and don't hurt--the argument).
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