Mixing energy drinks and alcohol may lead to riskier behavior
By Trisha Henry
CNN Medical Producer
A new study finds that college athletes are significantly more likely to engage in energy-binge drinking when consuming alcohol than non-athletes. Athletes who combined alcohol and energy drinks, 150 of the 401 surveyed, also consumed more than double the amount of alcohol when compared to athletes who consumed alcohol-only. The survey by Oklahoma State and University of Missouri researchers also found that when people drink “energy cocktails” there were significant increases in risk-taking. This was especially true in men.
Researchers found by mixing caffeine with alcohol the college athletes became more intoxicated and therefore engaged in riskier behavior, than with alcohol alone. In addition, the researchers noted, drinking a stimulant and a depressant at the same time can be dangerous because it sends mixed signals to the body and the body doesn’t know how to respond. The researchers also found those who drink “energy cocktails” are more likely to be hurt or injured and more likely to ride with an intoxicated driver.
Besides increased overall alcohol consumption and risk-taking, the study also found links to health problems and negative consequences associated with the “energy cocktails”. Researchers found the combination of caffeine with alcohol, along with the other substances influenced brain functioning. According to the study, overindulging in these cocktails could affect motivation, concentration, mood and can create or exacerbate mental problems. (more…)
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Energy drink warning
December 30th, 2009There are no regulations regarding the amount of caffeine in energy drinks
“Energy drinks ‘need caffeine alert on cans’”, is the headline in the Daily Mail. The newspaper reports on a study that looked at 28 energy drinks and showed some have up to 14 times the caffeine content of a can of cola. Doctors have warned that these drinks should “carry health warnings”, so young people do not overdose on caffeine, says the newspaper.
The study is a review of the history and regulatory background of caffeine-based energy drinks in the US, including some of the “top selling US energy drinks”, which are also marketed in the UK. The authors discuss the potential for caffeine dependence and withdrawal problems that could be associated with energy drinks. This study did not measure the caffeine content of the drinks directly and did not investigate directly the effect of caffeine intake from these drinks on the body. The problems of toxicity and dependence that can follow caffeinated drink consumption, as discussed by the authors, will need further investigation before there is any proposed change in regulation.
Where did the story come from? Dr Chad J. Reissig and colleagues from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, US, carried out this research. The authors declare conflicts of interests in that they own stock in soft drinks companies. The study was supported by grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal: Drug and Alcohol Dependence. (more…)
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Chemical Health
May 12th, 2009What’s in a name?
Student Athlete Chemical Health
During the past five years, we have used the name “chemical health” for our program for athletes in New York State. This has been a wise move, considering that the prior name was conveyed as “Anti Drug”. The negative connotation or stigma attached to a program with drug in it creates a much larger hurdle to clear in this day and age. We can also use this as a wide spectrum program that also encompasses both performance enhancing drugs, supplements, and energy drinks. We have programs in each of these areas, which can impact choices by athletes. We encourage school districts, colleges and universities to use the name chemical health for any program which deals with prevention or intervention in these areas. (more…)
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Energy Drink WARNING
May 12th, 2009To: College and High School Athletes, Coaches and Athletic Administrators
Combining alcohol and Red Bull® reduces the ‘perception’ of impairment
Alcohol’s harmful effects on motor coordination, however, remain intact
Alcohol effects are not blunted by use of energy drinks, which are often perceived by many drinking populations as a way to remain in control, reduce fatigue and maintain sensations of pleasure while consuming large quantities of alcoholic beverages. This information portrays a dangerous perception that might lead mixers to believe that they are not as impaired as they think. Much of the perceptions in the pre frontal cortex may in fact be blunted in the area of decision making which could be a dangerous inclination for individuals to perceive that they are capable of driving a motor vehicle, while not realizing they may be impaired. (more…)
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