What are the effects of mixing energy drinks with alcohol?

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    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Energy drink use is associated with other unhealthy dietary habits, including alcohol consumption.[1][2][3] This is concerning because the current evidence shows that adults and adolescents who consume energy drinks with alcohol report more hazardous alcohol consumption patterns and more frequent risk-taking behavior (speeding, fighting, unprotected sex, etc) than people who consume alcohol alone.[4][5][6] Combined energy drink and alcohol consumption is also associated with increased prevalence of other unhealthy behaviors, including daily smoking, binge drinking, use of psychotropic drugs.[6] However, these lines of evidence are derived from observational studies with cross-sectional study designs, and further high-quality research (randomized controlled trials and cohort studies) is required to understand the direct effects of energy drinks plus alcohol on health outcomes.