Wide Eyes and Slurred Words: The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Energy Drinks
Mixing energy drinks with alcohol is becoming increasingly popular. And yet, recent research suggests that combining the two could be risky, more so than drinking alcohol on its own or with more traditional mixers such as coca-cola or lemonade.
Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine. This can make people feel more alert and may encourage heavier drinking than usual. “Wide awake drunk” is the term that has been coined to describe the condition resulting from the stimulating effects of energy drinks, together with the brain-slowing effects of alcohol.
Audra Roemer, a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Victoria, notes that when people drink alcohol they eventually become tired and go home. However, drinks with high caffeine content can “mask” this effect, leading people to “underestimate” how drunk they are. People might then stay out and continue to drink alcohol for longer periods. This can increase the risk of engaging in harmful drink-related behaviours.
To reduce the risks involved, the charity Drinkaware advocates the following advice when mixing alcohol with energy drinks:
- Be mindful of how much you (and your friends) are drinking
- Eat filling foods such as pasta or potatoes before a night out
- Be aware of the caffeine and sugar content of energy drinks
- Avoid drinking alcohol with energy drinks before going to bed