Energy Drinks and Booze

Mixing alcohol with energy drinks boosts a young adult’s desire to keep drinking alcohol new research reveals.

The finding published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research follows an analysis involving 75 men and women between 18 and 30 years of age. None had any history of alcohol or drug dependence. Roughly half were randomly assigned to drink a cocktail comprised of 60 milliliters of vodka mixed with juice and a highly-caffeinated energy mixer. The other half drank vodka mixed with only juice and soda water.

Both groups experienced similar levels of stimulation. But those who consumed the energy drink combination liked their cocktail much more and were much more likely to express a desire to keep drinking it. The investigators acknowledged that they did not go on to track whether or not the energy drink group actually did drink more alcohol.

But the findings raise concerns that energy mixers may ultimately grease the wheels for youthful binge drinking and the car accidents, injuries, and negative social interactions that can often follow.

I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with health information for healthier living.


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