Risks of Energy Drinks Mixed With Alcohol
Jonathan Howland, PhD, MPH Damaris J. Rohsenow, PhD
HE ENERGY DRINK MARKET IS A MULTIBILLION- dollar industry that uses aggressive and innovative marketing strategies to target teens and young adults. Consequently, 31% of young teens and 34% to 51% of 18- to 24-year-olds report regular consumption of these products.1
Energy drinks contain caffeine and often other sub- stances such as guarana (containing guaranine, similar to caffeine), taurine (an amino acid), and sugar derivatives. The primary active ingredient is caffeine, usually with 80 to 141 mg of caffeine per 8 oz (equivalent to a 5-oz cup of coffee or 2 cans of soda).