Students should be aware of the risk of combining tobacco and alcohol, according to Rosenthal. Though the relationship between the two chemicals has not been fully explored or explained, it appears, Rosenthal says, they tend to exacerbate each other's health impacts.

In addition to physical health problems, long-term alcohol abuse can also cause psychological, social and relational health problems. Depression, coping and relationship problems, as well as decreased productivity result from alcohol abuse.

Young and Invincible

Harvard students interviewed by The Crimson were not only interested in protecting their health but were also informed about the effects drinking can have on their bodies.

Binge drinking "can't be healthy psychologically," says Karen M. LeBlanc, an extension school student. "It's a form of escapism."

Students were informed about the risks of drinking but say it does not affect their own behavior.

"I wouldn't think the health effects are that great," says Nick H. Horbaczewski '03. "It's more the stupid things you do that cause problems in the long-term."

He and other students were confident that they could control their own drinking, especially since they are well-informed about the short- and the long- term effects.