Dangers of Mixing Energy Drinks with Alcohol
It’s been a popular trend among college-age individuals to combine energy drinks containing high amounts of caffeine with alcohol. But recent research conducted at the University of Florida indicates that this combination can lead to higher degrees of intoxication. The study also suggested that the alcohol – energy drink combo can significantly impair one’s ability to drive.
The University of Florida study involved a survey of 800+ individuals as they left bars between the hours of ten at night and three in the morning. The participants were of college age. The survey included questions regarding their use of alcohol and energy drinks. Upon completion of the survey their alcohol levels were measured by breath analysis.
The survey showed that a little over 6% had combined alcohol and energy drinks that night. Compared to those who had drank only alcohol, the first group was three times as likely to be intoxicated, with an average alcohol level of just over 0.10. The legal limit is 0.08. Other findings from the survey showed that this group spent more time drinking that night, left the bar later in the night, and spent more time drinking than their alcohol-only peers. Also, they were much more likely to state intentions to drive less than an hour after leaving the bar.
Many people have the erroneous belief that the stimulant effect of caffeine will offset alcohol’s depressant effects. The reality is that caffeine only decreases the drowsiness that alcohol can cause, an affect known as “wide awake and drunk”. Unfortunately, people in that impaired state often engage in risky activities.
This University of Florida study certainly gave many reasons for concern with regards to the practice of combining alcohol and energy drinks. More research definitely needs to be done on this popular trend.
