There is a trend emerging among young drinkers in which energy drinks and alcohol are combined to produce a cocktail that pairs the effects of alcohol with those of caffeine. It is especially popular on college campuses, where students combat the effects of long hours of studying with drinks charged with caffeine.
The drinks may be very dangerous. Some research studies have shown that when alcohol and energy drinks are combined, the consumer of the drink experiences an inhibited understanding of the effects the alcohol is having on their bodies. The effects of the energy drink mask the amount of alcohol consumed, but without reducing the effects of the alcohol.
There are now appearing in the market pre-mixed alcoholic energy drinks, and new research from Australia is causing medical experts there to recommend the banning of such cocktails from store shelves. The Australian Medical Association says that research from the University of Wollongong Centre for Health Initiatives shows that the drinks are a major problem.
The study conducted showed that 12- to 17-year-olds were more likely to drink alcoholic drinks if they contained caffeine or guarana, according to AMA Vice President Dr. Steve Hambleton. Young drinkers are attracted to the drinks because they allow for longer drinking periods.
Dr. Hambleton says that the AMA is especially disturbed by the products’ popularity among under-age drinkers, some even as young as 12 years old. The kids easily make the jump from energy drinks to alcoholic energy drinks.
The AMA states that it is an irresponsible and dangerous move for the alcohol industry to market products that are proven to be especially attractive to young people, especially those in their teen years. The products put young Australians at risk for developing an early addiction to alcohol, produced when alcoholic energy drinks allow for longer drinking periods.
The consumption of alcohol with a stimulant reduces the perception of drunkenness, but the physical and mental impairments do not change with the addition of energy drink to alcohol, but remain the same. In teenagers, this effect may lead to increased levels of risk-taking behaviors, making injury and bad choices more likely.
Heavy episodic drinking is associated with a higher risk of injury and risky sexual behavior. In addition, when individuals are introduced to alcohol at a young age, they are more likely to exhibit problematic alcoholic behavior patterns later in adulthood. In addition, earlier initiation of alcohol consumption gives the body a longer exposure to toxins in alcohol that heighten the risk of liver disorders and multiple types of cancer.
Comments on this entry are closed.