Drinking aquavit a lot is crucial (5)

I believe the answer is:

vital

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'is crucial' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'drinking aquavit a lot' is the wordplay.
'VITAL' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for vital that I've seen before include "Essential to life, indispensable" , "Imperative" , "Of key importance" , "Critical, necessary" , "Essential, life-giving" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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