Posted on Wed, Feb 27, 2013
Maybe worse than you think
Consuming cocktails that mix alcohol with energy drinks is a growing social trend amongst socialites. Indulging in the idea of “getting high” without getting tired is not only intriguing, but an ideal way to maximize a night of 
entertainment and excitement. Although socially acceptable, this mixture can be detrimental both to your physical and mental health. Many researchers make claims that this activity is most common amongst adolescents; however, according to the American Journal of Drug & Alcohol Abuse there are Correlates of Concurrent Energy Drink and Alcohol Use among Socially Active Adults.
Energy drinks are not regulated by the FDA so producers are not required to disclose the caffeine content on the label. According to Risks of Energy Drinks Mixed With Alcohol, an article recently summarized on MDLinx.com, energy drink manufacturers are not “held accountable for claims regarding the health and psychosocial benefits of their products.” High levels of caffeine boost the heart rate and, in combination with alcohol, can increase the risk of heart rhythm complications. The stimulation also masks signs of inebriation, such as the feeling of fatigue, which typically signals the body’s had enough to drink.
Consequently, drinkers of these trendy cocktails are more likely to make irrational or irresponsible decisions, such as driving while intoxicated or inflicting harm on others. They are also 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.1
Not only can the mixture of alcohol with energy drinks be unhealthy, harmful to your body and impair your judgment, it also causes dehydration which worsens a hangover – and there’s nothing worse than waking up after an eventful evening with a dreadful hangover.
-
O’Brien MC, McCoy TP, Rhode SD, Wagoner A, Wolfson M. Caffeinated cocktails; energy drink consumption, high-risk drinking, and alcohol-related consequences among college students. Acad Emerg Med 2008;15(5):453-460.
Posted on Wed, Sep 12, 2012
|
Smartest Doc Challenge
MDLinx
|
The Smartest Doc Challenge from MDLinx is now available in psychiatry! Compete for the title of the Smartest Psychiatrist in America.
- They say a question a day keeps the cobwebs at bay,
so sign up for the Smartest Psychiatrist game today!
The Smartest Psychiatrist is a 1-minute daily quiz that makes keeping up on the literature both fun and competitive! Answer up to 5 questions each weekday and get your instant score and ranking vs others who took that quiz. Follow the leaderboards to see which US physicians come out on top each day.
The #1 doc each month is named the Smartest Psychiatrist in America and gets a personalized vanity trophy and national recognition. The Top 100 also get bragging rights and awards.
PLAY NOW!
Answer questions every day to stay on top of your game!