Alcohol energy drinks (AEDs) are a rising trend, particularly with the college crowd. Sometimes referred to as caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CABs), these drinks are premixed to contain alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants.
According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), approximately 31 percent of 12 to 17-year-olds and 34 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds consume alcoholic energy drinks. As part of our campaign to educate against underage drinking, we believe it is important for parents and youth to know what these drinks are and their capabilities.
The Trendy Alcoholic Beverage
AEDs are trendy and risky. Media campaigns are targeting the younger generation, using youth-oriented slogans and imagery to gain interest.
The trouble with alcohol energy drinks is their risk. They contain high alcohol contents, often as high as 12 percent versus a typical can of beer’s 5 percent alcohol content. The higher content leads to faster effects, as does the mixture of alcohol and caffeine and/or other stimulants.
The NCADD claims that one of the major concerns surrounding AEDs and CABs is a state known as “wide-awake drunkenness.” During this state, caffeine masks the sensation of drunkenness without decreasing alcohol-related impairment. The result is less of a drunk feeling, which leads to the consumption of more alcohol. The ultimate result can rapidly become alcohol poisoning.
Caffeine and Alcohol Do Not Mix
The Food and Drug Administration have warned companies adding caffeine to alcoholic products that it makes them unsafe. Many of these blended products have been removed from the market.
Unfortunately, despite the FDA’s warnings and forced removal of these products, there is no regulation on the amount of caffeine contained in energy drinks. There is also no requirement to list the presence of caffeine on the product label.
Alcohol Energy Drinks Encourage Alcoholism
Research surrounding AEDs is still in its early stages. However, “wide-awake drunkenness” brought on by these beverages could be the gateway to a rapid development of addiction and/or dependency.
Research conducted by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine revealed that students mixing energy drinks and alcohol displayed double the risk of being injured and required medical attention. They also displayed double the chance of driving while intoxicated, riding with a drunk driver, being taken advantage of sexually, or of taking advantage of someone else sexually (more information provided by the Plaintiff law firm experts).
The combination of caffeine and alcohol amplifies the mental fog and wane in judgement experienced by drinking alcohol without the aid of a stimulant. The combination could be compared to taking a drug categorized as a stimulant before or while consuming alcohol; a practice medically and scientifically proven to increase the risk of alcohol overdose and alcohol-related injuries.
Educating Our Youth
Alcohol energy drinks are especially dangerous to our youth. Alcohol is often seen as a rite of passage, and energy drinks are a popular trend whether the drinker needs an energy boost or not.
It is crucial to educate our youth regarding the mixing of energy drinks and alcohol. Be sure they understand the risks it presents and openly advise them to avoid it!