Researchers have found that when women are sexually or physically abused as children, they tend to take four or more alcoholic drink every day, become alcohol dependent, leading to serious health hazards.

The study analyzed data of 3,700 women in the 2005 U.S. National Alcohol Survey.

The findings show "a strong association between having a history of child abuse and problems with alcohol abuse," lead author E. Anne Lown, a scientist with the Alcohol Research Group in Emeryville, Calif., said in a Center for Advancing Health news release.

"We, as a society, have to take responsibility for the healing of children and adults with a history of child abuse," Lown said. "We need to screen for abuse in all settings -- not just screen for but have interventions in place that will address the long-term consequences of child abuse. Without screening, the problem will not be recognized."