A new study revealed that those who consume energy drinks with alcohol experience stronger urges to drink than when they imbibe alcohol on its own. This finding provided more evidence on how energy drinks can affect binge drinking tendencies.
Rebecca McKetin, lead researcher of the study from the Australian National University Center for Research on Aging, Health, and Well-Being, and her colleagues looked at 75 participants for the drinking experiment. The demographics included 46 women and 29 men aged 18 to 30 years old. The alcohol-only group, which included 39 participants, were given 60 ml of vodka and soda water. The alcohol with energy drink group of 36 participants was given 60 ml of vodka and a Red Bull energy drink.
The researchers also asked the participants to answer a questionnaire related to their alcohol urge before and after the drinking experiment. Other tests were also given to determine the alcohol effects, drug effects and breath alcohol concentration.
The results of the analysis revealed that those who drank alcohol with energy drink showed stronger urge to drink more. But the researchers clarified their findings did not imply this urge could result in more alcohol consumption. There were other factors that could affect one's decision to drink more, such as being able to dismiss the thought or urge.
Still, the researchers warned that a stronger urge to drink could lead to greater implications.
"As people become intoxicated, even at low levels, they show less inhibitions and are likely to drink more in a cycle of greater intoxication. Of course, the drunker you get, the more likely you are to get injured, be a victim or perpetrator of an assault, or even drive home while drunk, let alone making bad choices about the people you associate with and possible sexual behavior," said Peter G. Miller, co-author and associate professor of psychology at Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront Campus in Australia.
The results of the study will be published in the August issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.
