Among Adolescents, Combining Alcohol and Energy Drinks Is Associated With Other Risky Behaviors

The consumption of energy drinks has increased among adolescents in the past decade. Researchers used data from a trial for underage drinking at the University of Michigan to assess the combined consumption of alcohol and energy drinks. Subjects were 810 patients aged 14–20 seen in an emergency department (average age 18.6 years, 41% male). They were interviewed regarding alcohol and energy drink consumption, and other risk behaviors.

• Of the 810 patients screened, 439 (54%) reported past-year alcohol use. Of these, 261 (60%) reported any energy drink consumption and 61% of them reported combining alcohol and energy drinks.
• The most common reasons cited for combining alcohol and energy drinks were: hiding the flavor of alcohol (39%), liking the taste (36%), and staying awake (32%).
• On multivariable analysis, combined use of alcohol and energy drinks (compared with non-use of either) was associated with male gender, sex after use of alcohol and/or drugs, driving/riding after drinking, higher AUDIT score, and other drug use. Separate use of either (compared with non-use) was only associated with male gender.

Comments:

This study suggests that combining alcohol and energy drinks is a marker for other risky behaviors. It is probably helpful for clinicians to be aware of this association when screening and counseling adolescents and young adults.

Darius A. Rastegar, MD

Reference:

Bonar EE, Cunningham RM, Polshkova S, et al. Alcohol and energy drink use among adolescents seeking emergency department care. Addict Behav. 2015;43:11–17.