Alcohol and Energy Drinks

A dangerous trend is growing mostly among younger alcohol drinkers – mixing energy drinks and alcoholic beverages.  The popularity of energy drinks has swept through the younger populations of the United States and other countries.  How much do you know about the dangers of mixing alcohol and energy drinks?

The Truth About Alcohol and Energy Drinks

This article from Web MD shows some startling statistics about alcohol and energy drinks being used together.  Perhaps the most concerning is how people who have energy drinks with alcohol are three times more likely to leave the bar drunk than those who drink just alcohol.

The biggest problem is that energy drinks fool a drunk person’s brain.  They believe they are more alert and functional than they really are.  The energy drink masks the symptoms of intoxication, but it doesn’t take away the intoxication.  They simply become a “wide awake drunk”.

Poor Judgment With Energy Drinks and Alcohol

Because of this masking effect, an intoxicated person believes they can trust their judgment and their senses.  They drive, swim, and do other activities without truly appreciating the risk they are taking.  They may even continue to drink more than usual because they don’t feel as drunk. Their normal cues about their body are off track.

Without the normal sensations of intoxication, they may be at risk for alcohol poisoning or development of a high tolerance.  Alcohol poisoning can be immediately harmful, even lethal.  Developing a high tolerance for alcohol can also lead directly to alcoholism.

Just because a person drinks energy drinks and alcohol doesn’t automatically mean they will end up in alcohol treatment.  However, anyone who drinks excessively is certainly at risk for becoming addicted.  No matter how it’s done, the body will begin to adjust to high amounts of alcohol being present in the blood.  A person doing this may develop an alcoholic lifestyle before they even realize they have a large problem.  Alcohol treatment may be necessary to help someone understand how their life has changed and how they can get it back on track.

Alcohol and Energy Drinks Not Smart Choice

Alcohol and energy drinks may sound like a hip smart combination – counteract the intoxication and feel energetic all night long.  But this can lead to a poor use of judgment and miscalculation of risks.  If you or someone you know is using alcohol and energy drinks, stop for a moment and consider what you are really doing.  Take a look at how much you really drink, how you fit drinking into your life, and if you may need a lifestyle change.  For more information, contact an alcohol treatment center near you.

Photo credit: jenny downing