Problem drinking is the single factor that puts people, especially women, most at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to a new study by researchers at UC Davis and in Berkeley. The study found that problem drinkers, defined as alcoholics or alcohol dependents, are most vulnerable not because they are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual practices, but because they may be less aware of health ailments, slower to seek medical attention and remain infected for longer periods of time. The connection is much stronger among women than men. Women with drinking problems are four-and-a-half times more likely to report STDs than those without drinking problems. Karen Ericksen, a professor of psychology at UC Davis and the study's principal researcher, says the findings are notable because they indicate that STDs are not most prevalent among illegal drug users, people who go to bars frequently and other marginalized groups, as is often thought to be the case. The study, a survey of almost 1,000 randomly selected adults, suggests that it is the duration of infectiousness as well as sexual behaviors that set apart problem drinkers. Ericksen says public policy-makers should direct their efforts to dispensing treatment instead of modifying behavior.