Alcohol:

Alcohol, Energy Drinks, and Caffeine

 

Intro	Legal Issues
Alcohol, Your Body, and Your Brain	Alcohol Abuse/Dependence
Alcohol, Energy Drinks, and Caffeine	Getting Help

Energy drinks are beverages that contain caffeine, stimulants, and sugars. When an energy drink is combined with alcohol, it’s called a caffeinated alcoholic beverage (CAB).

 

Why are CABs dangerous?

These drinks are dangerous because the caffeine in the drink can mask the depressant effect of alcohol on your body. Alcohol slows down your system, but caffeine picks it up; so you may be able to drink more than you usually would without feeling tired or sleepy and you could end up consuming more alcohol than you normally would.

 

Facts about people who drink CABs

According to the CDC:

• Drinkers who consume alcohol mixed with energy drinks are 3 times more likely to binge drink than drinkers who don’t.
• Drinkers who consume alcohol with energy drinks are about twice as likely to report being taken advantage of sexually, to report taking advantage of someone else sexually, and to report riding with a driver who was under the influence of alcohol than drinkers who don’t.

Data on CABs are pretty scary. If you’re old enough to drink, be responsible and keep your alcohol and energy drinks separate.

 

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Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

 

Updated: 8/8/2011