Alcohol And Energy Drinks Serve Up Double Danger

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 21 May 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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People who drink alcohol mixed with energy drinks can double their chances of being hurt or injured after drinking, needing medical attention and travelling with a drunk driver, according to new US research.

Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) CEO John Rogerson said "People need to consider the risks involved in consuming these drinks. The research suggests you are more likely to end up in hospital or be assaulted if you drink these products. "

"Combining alcohol and energy drinks is just plain dangerous. People might think they are drinking alcoholic energy drinks responsibly, but if they choose to then drive they are at particular risk, because they may feel more sober than they really are."

The Australian Drug Foundation backed a public warning from The Hon. Tony Robinson, Minister for Consumer Affairs, that alcoholic energy drinks may be more intoxicating than consumers expect.

"The Australian Drug Foundation is pleased that the Victorian Government recognises the potential risks that alcoholic energy drinks can pose and we now need to work together to ensure the message gets to those most at risk."

In most cases, the caffeine content in alcoholic energy drinks is far greater than non-alcoholic energy drinks. The table below shows the caffeine content per serving size of some popular alcoholic energy drinks * and soft drinks:

Beverage (250 ml) - Caffeine content
Coca-Cola - 48.75 mg
Elevate * - 96.6mg
HI NRG * - 60mg
Naughty Boy * - 80mg
Pepsi - 40 mg
Pulse * - 44mg
Red Bull - 80 mg
'V' - 78 m

Mr. Rogerson also implored all alcohol companies to actually cease the production of alcoholic energy drinks.

"What we would ideally like is for all alcohol companies to act responsibly and voluntarily withdraw the production of alcoholic energy drinks"

Australian Drug Foundation