Women who binge drink are more likely to have unsafe sex and to contract sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University.

CBC News reported Sept. 4 that women who consume more than five alcoholic drinks at a sitting have more sex partners and are more likely to engage in anal sex and other high-risk behaviors.

"Binge drinking results in a decreased ability to make clear decisions and can enable individuals to engage in behaviors that they would not if sober," said researcher Geetanjali Chander. "Initially, some individuals may drink with the expectation of decreasing inhibitions, or some may drink because they are anxious or depressed, and they expect alcohol to alleviate their symptoms. Regardless of why they choose to drink, many people do not perceive the potential risk or harm that may result from binge drinking."

Researchers based their conclusions on interviews with 322 men and 349 women being treated at a clinic for STDs. Most of those questioned were African-American. The authors said the findings should encourage STD clinics to screen patients for binge drinking.

The study will be published in the November 2008 issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.