Alcohol Energy Drinks and Intoxication
Alcohol energy drinks have received a lot of attention. They are popular on college campuses, where students may believe that they have found the perfect combination solution for the stress of student life and the need to keep their energy flowing. While the popularity of alcohol energy drinks has been successful, many wonder if the effects of combining caffeine and alcohol may be too effective at masking the signs of intoxication.
A recent article on The Dram, Vol 6(10), highlighted the recent interest alcohol energy drinks have received in the media. While there has been little research conducted on the effects of alcohol energy drinks, the article posted on BASIS online reviews three studies conducted in the last five years (Curry & Stasio, 2009; Ferreira, de Mello, Pompeia & de Souza-Formigoni, 2006; Marczinski & Fillmore, 2006).
The three studies together provide valuable information about the subjective effects of alcohol energy drinks, though the methodology differed in each study. Ferreira et al. (2006) monitored blood alcohol concentrations in subjects at regular intervals following consumption by the subjects of one alcohol energy drink per separate-day session. The participants were also asked to report on symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness and general well-being at regular intervals. Researchers also assessed motor coordination.
Curry and Stasio (2009) recruited participants to be randomly assigned into one of three groups consuming different types of beverages. The participants were evaluated for neuropsychological functioning before and after consuming the beverage using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status.
Marczinski and Fillmore (2006) provided study participants with one beverage at a time, evaluating dual-interference with tasks before and after the beverage was consumed. The participants rated the strength of each drink.
The combined results of the three studies show that the adding of caffeine to alcoholic beverages does not affect the objective assessment of intoxication in participants. These measures include such factors as BAC, motor coordination and interference test performance.
The results, however, indicate that the participants reported lower subjective levels of intoxication, including such symptoms as headache or drink strength. The concern is that this limitation of subjective symptoms might cause individuals to consume alcohol more heavily and lead to associated injury.
The results of the studies may be limited by several factors. All three studies used small sample sizes and all three issued the alcohol energy drinks as a single strong drink, which does not accurately reflect the nature of typical social alcohol consumption.
