Binge drinking dangers uncovered

(WPRI) -- Binge drinking is dangerous for anyone. But we've learned it's especially hazardous for young women.

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control finds binge drinking has more serious short and long term effects on women .  The study also finds that women are binge drinking, defined as having four or more drinks in a single sitting, more than ever.

According to the CDC, 20% of high school girls partake in binge drinking. That's surpassed only by 18-24 year olds, at 24%. We hit the streets of Providence to see if college-aged women here could back up this recent study.

We met Clara Byer from Washington, D.C., a student at Brown. She tells us alcohol is just part of a typical undergrad's culture., saying "Especially the freshman year, it's the fun thing to do. You show up, you don't know anyone, you take four shots and everyone is your friend!"

So, the party ensues for many young women. But it's what happens after the last call, that is alarming. Along with the hangover comes the risk for more serious health problems that can't be cured with an aspirin or a strong cup of coffee the morning after.

Dr. Mark Wood, an expert on binge drinking and a professor at the University of Rhode Island, outlines the increased risks women face. "In addition to more readily experiencing acute consequences like blackouts, accidents and sexual victimization," he says, "they're also more likely to experience long term negative consequences, health related consequences."

Dr. Wood points to breast cancer, heart disease and other chronic health issues that stem from alcohol abuse.

Emily Toomey, also a Brown student, says she has never witnessed this type of out of control behavior. "Drinking definitely happens," she says, "but do I see people risking their health with it? No."

The CDC study shows parents can make a difference with intervention, and kids are less likely to become heavy drinkers if parents get involved.

Clara Byer tells us she went to her school's lecturers and workshops on alcohol abuse. We asked her if that education made her think twice before drinking. "Kind of," she replies. "Maybe for a minute." Her message is that alcohol will always be readily available. So, it's up to the young woman to drink responsibly, or become a factor in a growing statistic that puts womens health at risk.

Binge drinking contributes to the deaths of about 12,000 women and girls annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That number does not include the possible long term health effect that were found in the study.