Alcohol Mixed With Energy Drinks Research Articles

Mixing energy drinks and alcohol during adolescence impairs brain function: A study of rat hippocampal plasticity

In the last decades, the consumption of energy drinks has risen dramatically, especially among young people, adolescents and athletes, driven by the constant search for ergogenic effects, such as the increase in physical and cognitive performance. In parallel, mixed consumption of energy drinks and ethanol, under a binge drinking modality, under a binge drinking modality, has similarly grown among adolescents. However, little is known whether the combined consumption of these drinks, during adolescence, may have long-term effects on central function, raising the question of the risks of this habit on brain maturation. Our study was designed to evaluate, by behavioral, electrophysiological and molecular approaches, the long-term effects on hippocampal plasticity of ethanol (EtOH), energy drinks (EDs), or alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AMED) in a rat model of binge-like drinking adolescent administration. The results show that AMED binge-like administration produces adaptive hippocampal changes at the molecular level, associated with electrophysiological and behavioral alterations, which develop during the adolescence and are still detectable in adult animals. Overall, the study indicates that binge-like drinking AMED adolescent exposure represents a habit that may affect permanently hippocampal plasticity.

Alcohol versus combined alcohol and energy drinks consumption: Risk behaviors and consumption patterns among European students.

Recent research found that drinking alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) could be riskier than drinking alcohol alone. Our aim was to compare rates of risk behaviors in consumers of AmED versus exclusive alcohol drinkers, matching them based on their drinking frequency. Data about 16-year-old students who reported the number of occasions on which they had drunk AmED or alcohol only in the preceding 12 months (n=32,848) were drawn from the 2019 ESPAD study. After matching for consumption frequency, the sample consisted of 22,370 students (11,185 AmED consumers and 11,185 exclusive alcohol drinkers). Key predictors comprised substance use, other individual risk behaviors, and family characteristics (parental regulation, monitoring, and caring). The multivariate analysis showed significantly higher odds of being AmED consumers compared to being exclusive alcohol drinkers in the majority of the investigated risk behaviors, including: daily tobacco smoking, illicit drug use, heavy episodic drinking, truancy at school, engaging in physical fights and serious arguments, having troubles with the police, and having unprotected sexual intercourse. Instead, lower odds were found for reporting high parents' educational level, medium and low family economic status, perceived possibility to freely talk about problems to family members, spending free time reading books or other hobbies. Our study shows that, given the same consumption frequency in the past year, AmED consumers typically reported higher associations with risk-taking behaviors compared to exclusive alcohol drinkers. These findings advance past research that failed to control for the frequency of AmED use versus exclusive alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drinks (AmED) Use among University Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In the last decades, there has been a huge increase in the consumption of both Energy Drinks (EDs) and alcohol and, concurrently, these two trends generated the additional practice of mixing ED with alcohol, known as Alcohol mixed with Energy Drink (AmED). One of the most important group of AmED consumers is represented by young. Indeed, the study population of the researches in this field are mainly represented by college students and the results evidence a great range of negative consequences for health. The purpose of the systematic review was to explore the prevalence of AmED consumption among undergraduate students, together with motivations to their use, adverse effects and health-related behaviors associated to AmEDs use. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA Statement and PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were interrogated. 42 articles, published from 2008 to 2021, were included in the review. An overall prevalence rate of 37% was estimated for AmEDs use in undergraduates, with geographical differences. Although a decrease in consumption was observed throughout the studied period, a continuous monitoring on this phenomenon is needed for identifying those risk groups that could develop risky behaviors related to AmEDs consumption and provide them targeted educational interventions.

The implications of alcohol mixed with energy drinks from medical and socio-legal standpoints.

Co-ingestion of energy drinks and alcohol has long been in practice and has been poorly regulated despite a growing body of literature of their potential negative health impacts. Co-ingestion of energy drinks with alcohol has multiple counter-active effects such as reduction of body sway, fatigue and sedative effects induced by alcohol, along with increased subjective feeling of alertness, which may lead to increased binge-drinking, intoxication, decreased perception of intoxication, dehydration, and alcohol poisoning. Adding energy drinks to alcohol may also have synergistic effects in causing alcohol dependency and addiction. The association between caffeine, a common active ingredient in energy drinks, and alcohol is relatively well defined, however association with other active ingredients such as taurine, niacin, and pyridoxine, is less understood, pointing to a gap in our knowledge regarding this practice. Nonetheless, the current associations between AMED (Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drinks) and risky behavior secondary to intoxication and cases of alcohol poisoning have led various national governing bodies to regulate this practice. This review highlights the potential effects of AMED on human physiology based on what is known from human and animal models, and sheds light on specific biochemical interactions between alcohol and active ingredients found in energy drinks; Caffeine, Taurine, and Glucuronolactone. The review also touches on the regulation of this practice around the world, and the impact it has on its users, and points researchers to gaps in our knowledge on the interactions between alcohol and EDs and the full extent of their effects.

A Comparison Between Ecological Momentary Assessment and the Adapted-Quick Drinking Screen: Alcohol Mixed With Energy Drinks.

AimsTo compare alcohol consumption and risk-taking behaviours on alcohol mixed with energy drink (AMED) and alcohol-only (AO) drinking occasions collected via ecological momentary assessment (EMA) versus retrospective survey methods (adapted-Quick Drinking Screen: a-QDS).MethodsCompleting participants were 52 university students who reported AMED consumption during the 30-day data collection period. Alcohol consumption and risk-taking behaviours were captured for recreational AMED and AO consumption occasions using a smartphone-based app across 30 days. Data were aggregated for comparison with the a-QDS conducted at the end of data collection.ResultsIrrespective of data collection method, alcohol was consumed more frequently and at higher quantities on the heaviest drinking occasions when consumed alone compared with when it was mixed with energy drinks. Consistent with this finding, more risk-taking behaviours were experienced on AO occasions compared with AMED occasions. Compared with the a-QDS, the quantity of alcohol consumed on the average and heaviest drinking occasion was significantly higher when reported via EMA. This was consistent across both AO and AMED drinking occasions.ConclusionEMA provides a more valid measure of consumption quantity compared with retrospective recall, which was susceptible to under-reporting, although this was not differentially affected across consumption occasions. In line with previous research, this study demonstrated that mixing alcohol with energy drinks does not increase alcohol consumption or risk-taking behaviours.

Trends in energy drink and combined alcohol and energy drinks consumption among Italian high school students, 2008–2019

BackgroundEnergy Drinks (ED) are caffeinated beverages marketed as attention and endurance enhancers. The main purpose of this study is to provide national estimates of the prevalence of alcohol mixed with energy drink (AmED) and ED use among school-aged adolescents. A secondary objective is to examine the differences in the prevalence of AmED and ED consumption by gender. MethodsFor this study, we used data from twelve consecutive years, from ESPAD-Italia®2008 to ESPAD-Italia®2019. ResultsFrom 2008–2019, the prevalence of lifetime consumption of energy drinks increased significantly for male (64.5–75.7%, p < 0.001) and female (46.8–61.8%, p < 0.001). We also observed an increase in both genders for last year prevalence (male: 51.6–63.4%, p < 0.001; female: 32.5–38.3%, p < 0.001), instead prevalence in last month showed an increase only in males (males: 37.5–45.4%, p = <0.001; females: 19.9–20.3%, p = 0.426). Finally, frequent use showed a fluctuating trend, particularly in females (males: 3.2–4.3%, p = 0.422; females: 0.8–0.8%, p = 0.643). From 2013–2019, the prevalence of AmED consumption did not show relevant changes among adolescents. A clear gender gap is evident for both ED and AmED usage prevalence, in all the years considered for lifetime, last year, last month and frequent use. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the prevalence of ED consumption among Italian high school students is very high and has grown substantially over the past 12 years. Differently the prevalence of AmED use, although widespread, did not increase overall since 2013.

Short-term consumption of alcohol (vodka) mixed with energy drink (AMED) attenuated alcohol-induced cerebral capillary disturbances and neuroinflammation in adult wild-type mice

ABSTRACT Background: The ingestion of combinatory Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drink (AMED) beverages continues to increase markedly, particularly among young adults. Some studies suggest detrimental health effects related to the combination of alcohol with energy drink formulations; however, the consumption of AMED has not been investigated in context of the cerebral microvasculature or neuroinflammation. We hypothesized that cerebral capillary integrity and glial cells are particularly vulnerable to the combination of AMED. Methods:12-week old wild-type C57BL/6J mice were orally gavaged with either vehicle (water), alcohol (vodka), an energy drink (MotherTM), or a combination AMED, daily for five days. Thereafter, mice were sacrificed, blood alcohol concentrations were analysed and cryosections of brain specimens were subjected to confocal immunofluorescent analysis for measures of cerebral capillary integrity via immunoglobulin G (IgG), and markers of neuroinflammation, ionized-calcium-binding-adaptor-molecule 1 (Iba1) and Glial-Fibrillary-Acidic-Protein (GFAP). Proinflammatory cytokines, IL-2, IL-17A, IFN-ϒ, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10, were also measured in serum. Results: Consistent with previous studies, cerebral capillary dysfunction and astroglial cell activation were markedly greater in the alcohol-only group (AO); however, the AO-induced effects were profoundly attenuated with the AMED combination. Mice maintained on AO and AMED interventions exhibited a moderate increase in microglial recruitment. There were no significant changes in pro-inflammatory nor anti-inflammatory cytokines in ED or AMED treated mice. Conclusion: This study suggests that paradoxically the acute detrimental effects of alcohol on cerebral capillary integrity and astrogliosis are counteracted with the co-provision of an ED, rich in caffeine and taurine and containing B-group vitamins.

A Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Effects of Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drink (AMED) Consumption on Overall Alcohol Consumption and Related Consequences

There is a growing body of scientific literature examining the effects of alcohol mixed with energy drink (AMED) on alcohol consumption and related negative consequences, such as risky behavior or negative health effects. It is unknown whether differences in cultural context may influence these AMED effects. The current cross-cultural study compared the data of N = 6881 students from The Netherlands (N = 4424), UK (N = 1594), and Australia (N = 863). Demographics, alcohol consumption, its consequences, and motives for AMED consumption were assessed. Analyses included (a) between-groups comparison of AMED and alcohol only (AO) consumers, (b) within-subjects comparison of AMED and AO occasions among AMED consumers only, and (c) comparisons between the three countries. The between-groups analysis revealed that AMED consumers drink more alcohol than AO consumers (p < 0.001). AMED consumers differed from AO consumers in many other aspects. For example, AMED consumers were significantly more often a smoker and had higher risk-taking scores. Within subject analysis among AMED consumers showed that significantly less alcohol was consumed on AMED, compared to AO occasions (p < 0.001). These findings were observed for both typical drinking occasions and the past month’s heaviest drinking occasion, and were consistent across the three countries. Comparisons between countries revealed that on both AMED and AO occasions, the UK sample consumed significantly more alcohol than the Australian and Dutch samples. Across countries, neutral motives such as ‘I like the taste’ and ‘I wanted to drink something else’ were the most frequently reported motives for consuming AMED. The most notable difference between the countries was the finding that consuming AMED ‘To get drunk’ was endorsed significantly more often among the UK sample (45.6%) than the Australian (31.2%) and Dutch (8.0%) samples. Negative alcohol-related consequences were significantly less frequently reported for AMED occasions compared to AO occasions. Some country-specific consequences of AMED consumption were observed, but these were more likely related to characteristics of the country and their drinking culture (e.g., the Australian sample reported more often driving a car after AMED consumption compared to the other countries, and this pattern of results was also found for AO occasions). In conclusion, there were limited differences between countries with regard to demographics of consumers and motives for AMED consumption, but the UK sample consumed significantly more alcohol and reported the highest frequency of negative alcohol related consequences. Consistent across countries was the observation that AMED consumers consume significantly less alcohol on their past month heaviest AMED drinking occasion, compared to their past month heaviest AO drinking occasion.

Risk-Taking Behavior and the Consumption of Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drink among Australian, Dutch and UK Students.

The relationship between risk-taking behavior, alcohol consumption and negative alcohol-related consequences is well known. The current analyses were conducted to investigate whether alcohol mixed with energy drink (AMED) is related to risk-taking behavior and if there is a relationship between the amount of energy drink mixed with alcohol consumed, risk-taking behavior and negative alcohol-related consequences. Data from N = 1276 AMED consuming students from the Netherlands, UK and Australia who completed the same survey were evaluated. The analysis revealed that, compared to AMED occasions, on alcohol only (AO) occasions significantly more alcohol was consumed and significantly more negative alcohol-related consequences were reported. On both AO and AMED occasions, there was a strong and positive relationship between amount of alcohol consumed, level of risk-taking behavior and number of reported negative alcohol-related consequences. In contrast, the level of risk-taking behavior was not clearly related to energy drink consumption. Across risk-taking levels, differences in the amount of energy drink consumed on AMED occasions did not exceed one 250 mL serving of energy drink. When correcting for the amount of alcohol consumed, there were no statistically significant differences in the number of energy drinks consumed on AMED occasions between the risk-taking groups. In conclusion, alcohol consumption is clearly related to risk-taking behavior and experiencing negative alcohol-related consequences. In contrast, energy drink intake was not related to level of risk-taking behavior and only weakly related to the number of experienced negative alcohol-related consequences.

Caffeine increases alcohol self-administration, an effect that is independent of dopamine D2 receptor function.

The rising popularity of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmEDs) has become a significant public health concern, with AmED users reporting higher levels of alcohol intake than non-AmED users. One mechanism proposed to explain this heightened level of alcohol intake in AmED users is that the high levels of caffeine found in energy drinks may increase the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol, an effect that may be dependent on interactions between adenosine receptor signaling pathways and the dopamine D2 receptor. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to confirm whether caffeine does increase the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol using both fixed ratio (FR) and progressive ratio (PR) designs, and to investigate a potential role of the dopamine D2 receptor to caffeine-induced increases in alcohol self-administration. Male Long-Evans rats were trained to self-administer a sweetened alcohol solution (10% v/v alcohol+2% w/v sucrose) on an FR2 schedule of reinforcement, and the effects of caffeine (0, 5, 10, and 20mg/kg, i. p. [intraperitoneally]) on the maintenance of alcohol self-administration and alcohol break point were examined. Parallel experiments in rats trained to self-administer sucrose (0.8% w/v) were conducted to determine whether caffeine's reinforcement-enhancing effects extended to a non-drug reinforcer. Caffeine pretreatment (5-10mg/kg) significantly increased sweetened alcohol self-administration and motivation for a sweetened alcohol reinforcer. However, similar increases in self-administration of a non-drug reinforcer were not observed. Contrary to our hypothesis, the D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride did not block a caffeine-induced increase in sweetened alcohol self-administration, nor did it alter caffeine-induced increases in motivation for a sweetened alcohol reinforcer. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that caffeine increases the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol, which may explain caffeine-induced increases in alcohol intake. However, the reinforcement-enhancing effects of caffeine appear to be independent of D2 receptor function.

Alcohol mixed with energy drinks: what about taurine?

Since energy drinks (EDs) were marketed to the general public as recreational and soft drinks, mixing these with alcohol has become a popular practice, especially in the younger population. Alcohol mixed with EDs (AmEDs) is a particularly alarming combination, given the evidence that consistently associate these drinks with increased risk behaviours and greater alcohol consumption. Caffeine and taurine are commonly found in EDs. In contrast to caffeine, the studies on taurine psychoactive properties and how this amino acid influences ethanol intake alone or in combination with caffeine are not so numerous. We summarised relevant and available data on the studies focusing on taurine as a psychoactive agent and its influence on ethanol (EtOH)-induced behaviours. Given the increased risk that represents mixing alcohol with energy drinks, we put emphasis on the research exploring the impact of these combinations on motivated behaviour towards EtOH consumption. The research on taurine properties on motivated behaviour towards EtOH consumption is limited, and mostly all done in combination with caffeine or other molecules. This makes it difficult to elucidate the effect of this amino acid when combined with alcohol. Incomplete understanding of the properties and effects of AmEDs is unavoidable until more studies are performed on the influence of taurine on motivation to consume alcohol. Taurine should be further explored, particularly in regard to its potential beneficial applications, motivational properties and synergies with other psychoactive ingredients (i.e. caffeine).

Alcohol mixed energy drink usage and risk-taking among college students in Western New York State

Alcohol mixed energy drinks (AmED) may promote excessive alcohol intake and risk-taking among college students. Objective: To understand the relationship between AmED use and risky behavior as well as attitudes and motivations for AmED use. Participants: Undergraduate college students N = 422 (Study 1), N = 37 (Study 2). Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, we first surveyed undergraduate students about their AmED and alcohol consumption and a series of risk behaviors, self-efficacy, and beliefs (Study 1). We then conducted focus groups within the same population to better understand attitudes, knowledge, and motivations for using AmED (Study 2). Results: Recent AmED use was significantly associated with an increased number of reported binge drinking occasions and self-reported driving while intoxicated events. Our qualitative data analyses revealed two major themes associated with AmED consumption: factors encouraging AmED use and decisions about driving while under the influence of alcohol. Conclusions: These findings add to the literature of beliefs and motivations for AmED use among college students.

Alcohol mixed with energy drinks: Expectancies of use and alcohol-related negative consequences among a young adult sample

ObjectiveEnergy drinks are a popular mixer with alcohol among college-aged young adults. Few studies to date have examined the relationships between expectancies of alcohol mixed with energy drink (AmED) use, AmED use and AmED-related negative consequences. MethodsEighty college-aged young adults were surveyed regarding their alcohol and AmED use, related negative consequences and AmED expectancies. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests and Cramér's V. A simple mediational model also was used to explore the potential relationships between AmED expectancies, AmED use and AmED-related negative consequences. ResultsAmED use was associated with more types of related negative consequences than heavy alcohol use alone, and where AmED use and heavy alcohol use were mutually associated with a related negative consequence, the strength of association was stronger for AmED use. While several AmED-related negative consequences were associated with AmED expectancies, unwanted sexual contact and getting into a verbal argument were associated with the greatest number of expectancies. The mediational model identified a statistically significant indirect effect of AmED expectancies on AmED-related negative consequences mediated by AmED use. ConclusionsThe study results contribute to the evidence that AmED use may confer additional risk for related negative consequences beyond heavy alcohol use and suggest that AmED expectancies may have a role in AmED use, which, in turn, is associated with AmED-related negative consequences. AmED expectancies may be targets for intervention to reduce AmED use considering the possible subsequent related negative consequences, especially those involving negative interpersonal experiences.

Case report on energy drink consumption among Health Sciences University students in Gauteng Province, South Africa

BackgroundThere are claims that energy drink (ED) consumption can bring about an improvement in mental functioning in the form of increased alertness and enhanced mental and physical energy. These claims address the lifestyle of a student of sleep deprivation and academic pressure with ED consumption becoming a popular practice amongst students. The study’s objectives were to determine the prevalence, reasons for, and patterns of ED and alcohol mixed with ED (AmED) consumption amongst university students.Case presentationRegistered students of the Health Sciences University, Gauteng Province, South Africa, formed the study population where this quantitative cross-sectional survey conveniently collected data by means of previous validated self-administered questionnaires from 490 students representing the diverse demographics of the university. Questions on the socio-demographic profile of the participants; pattern of alcohol use; reasons, pattern, and preferred types of EDs use; and the pattern, reason, and experience of AmED use during the past 12 months were asked. Frequency and percentages of distributions were determined, and the possible factors contributing to ED consumption were computed using the chi-square test. Results indicated that a total of 58% of students were consuming EDs mainly to stay awake (31%), to be more alert (14%), and to help with concentration (15%), 69% were consuming alcohol, and 16% were consuming AmEDs.ConclusionThere is an urgent need for an appropriate public health prevention intervention so that ED consumers can make informed choices when indulging in these health behaviors before the seemingly harmless consumption of ED amongst students becomes a public health issue.

Use of Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drinks Increases the Prevalence of Driving Violations among Brazilian Truck Drivers

Background: The use of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) has been reported to be associated with a variety of unsafe driving practices. Truck drivers are vulnerable to driving violations, particularly because of their engagement in drug use. The use of AmED among these professionals remains unknown. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of AmED use and its association with driving violations among truck drivers. Methods: 684 drivers were recruited in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The use of drugs was reported. Drivers were split into three groups: (a) alcohol abstainers (AA); (b) alcohol-only users (AO); and (c) users of AmED. Intergroup comparisons were performed by polynomial logistic regression (the reference category was AO). We also performed Poisson regression analysis to obtain the prevalence ratio; the significance level was stipulated at 5%. Results: The prevalence of drivers reporting the use of AmED was 16.8%. Users of AmED (a) were younger, (b) were less experienced drivers, (c) had a heavier pattern of alcohol use, (d) used illicit drugs more frequently, and (e) had poorer sleep quality than AO subjects. A higher prevalence of drivers who had arguments or fights while driving (PR = 1.71) and of drivers who drove unbelted (PR = 1.66) ingested AmED than of AO subjects. Conclusions/importance: The use of AmED increased the prevalence of driving violations beyond the risks commonly attributed to alcohol use. We suggest additional investments in preventative measures based on the beverage category and a revision of the work organization of truck drivers to reduce their health and social risks.

Patterns of energy drinks consumption in leisure, sports and academic activities among a group of students attending University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Energy drinks (EDs) are non-alcoholic beverages that contain caffeine and other ingredients, marketed for their actual or perceived effects as stimulants, energizers and performance enhancers. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate patterns of EDs consumption in leisure, sports, and academic activities over the last year among a group of pregraduate students of the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. A cross-sectional study conducted by an online questionnaire-based survey. An anonymous questionnaire was mainly based on a Consortium Nomisma-Areté questionnaire [background information and consumer profile, general EDs consumption practices and reasons; alcohol mixed with EDs (AmEDs) consumption, EDs consumption in sports, consumption of other caffeinated beverages], and an additional part to evaluate EDs consumption during academic activities. Out of 812 respondents from 22 faculties (participation rate of 23%), mean age 21.37 ± 1.98 years, 498 (61.7%) reported EDs consumption over the last year. Three main reasons for EDs consumption were to stay awake (58.2%), to enjoy the taste (46.8%), and to boost energy (38.0%). Energy drinks were mainly consumed less than once a month (70.5%), most frequently during academic activity (50.4%), less frequently mixed with alcohol for relaxation (21.5%), and only rarely in association with sports or other physical activity (10%). Drinking coffee (OR = 2.022; 95% CI 1.416-2.830; p < 0.001) and being a higher year student (OR = 0.723; 95% CI 0.639-0.819; p < 0.001) were independent predictors for EDs consumption; being single and living with parents (OR = 17.138; 95% CI 1.328-221.528; p = 0.030) for consumption of AmEDs; and being a man (OR = 2.251; 95% CI 1.493-3.392; p < 0.001) and living in urban environment (OR = 1.193; 95% CI 1.125-3.251; p = 0.017) for consuming EDs in association with sports or other physical activity. Based on these preliminary data and taking low participation rate into account, EDs consumption seems not to be alarming among university students in our region. EDs are most frequently consumed during academic activity, less frequently mixed with alcohol for relaxation, and only rarely in association with sports or other physical activity. However, as EDs are increasingly aggressively promoted and easily accessible, the larger study is warranted to provide more reliable and up to date conclusions, and if necessary, to inform measures preventing health risks associated with EDs consumption.

Relationship between energy drink consumption and sensation seeking in college students

Objective To investigate energy drink (ED) consumption and the relationship between ED consumption and sensation seeking among college students and to provide suggestions for management on ED consumption in the students. Methods Using stratified cluster sampling, we conducted a self-administered survey among 2 200 students of grade one to three recruited in two universities in a city with a self-desinged questionnaire and the Sensation Seeking Scale. Results Among the 2 064 students with eligible information, 1 034 (50.1%) and 511 (24.8%) reported having ED and alcohol mixed with energy drink (AmED) consumption during previous one month, with significantly higher ratios of ED and AmED consumption among the boy students than among the girl students (59.2% vs. 40.9%, χ2 = 69.222 and 30.5% vs. 19.0%; χ2 = 36.358; both P Conclusion A half of the college students consume ED and nearly a quarter of college students consume AmED; sensation seeking may be one of the motivations for the students' ED and AmED consumption.

Alcohol mixed energy drink use as a risk factor for experiencing and perpetrating bar aggression.

Despite the recent, widespread trend of consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmEDs) in commercial bar settings, few studies have examined whether this practice exacerbates the risk of experiencing aggression in bars and licensed establishments. Past studies have been limited to between-subjects comparison analyses that are at risk for bias due to selection effects. The present analysis examines whether a sample of individuals who regularly use AmEDs are at elevated risk for experiencing or perpetrating physical aggression in bars when drinking AmEDs versus when they are drinking noncaffeinated alcohol (NCA) use alone. This within-subject analysis controls for any individual differences that may be related to both AmED use and the tendency to engage in aggressive behavior. An online survey was completed by 175 young adults (78 male) who were frequent bar patrons, used AmEDs regularly, and had experienced at least one recent bar conflict incident. Although NCA use was more common than was AmED use, AmED-involved bar aggression was more frequently reported than was aggression that coincided with NCA use only. Additionally, victimization and perpetration of aggression in bar environments were both more common when AmEDs were used than when only NCA was used. Frequency of going to bars was predictive of rates of experiencing bar aggression only when drinking NCA but not when drinking AmEDs. Results suggest that AmED use introduces a unique risk factor into the bar environment that must be considered in future research and in subsequent interventions meant to reduce the incidence of bar aggression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Youth consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks in Canada: Assessing the role of energy drinks.

Consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) is a risk behaviour among youth, and previous research has reported a positive association between binge drinking and AmED consumption. However, limited research has examined how regular consumption of energy drinks is associated with AmED consumption among youth. The purpose of this report is to examine the role of energy drink use on AmED consumption in a Canadian youth population. Using data from the 2015–2016 COMPASS survey including 35,300 grade 9 to 12 students, two logistic regression models investigated if the inclusion of energy drink consumption in the past week altered the results of a model examining AmED consumption. In this sample, 13.2% of students reported AmED consumption in the last 12 months. Those who reported drinking energy drinks in the past week were 3.38 times more likely to consume AmED than those who did not drink energy drinks. The inclusion of past week energy drink use decreased the effect size of other associated substance use behaviours. This report demonstrates that past week energy drink use is associated with increased likelihood of AmED consumption and suggests that previous research may have missed this important contributor. These findings along with existing energy drink research highlight the importance of addressing the lack of energy drink regulations in Canada.

Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drinks (AmED) and Negative Alcohol-Related Consequences among South Korean College Students

Consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) has been associated with various alcohol-related consequences among college students. However, more information is required to assess how this relationship is affected by sociodemographic and environmental factors. This paper investigates the association between AmED consumption and negative alcohol-related consequences while (1) stratifying AmED users by sex, (2) examining a range of outcomes specific to the college context (e.g., missing class), and (3) controlling for drinking frequency and amount. We surveyed and analyzed the data of 4592 students in a nationally representative sample of 82 colleges in South Korea. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the association between AmED use and a number of alcohol-related consequences (ranging from a score of 0–12) while adjusting for covariates, including drinking frequency and intake per drinking session. Of our study population, 22.0% of alcohol-consuming men and 13.4% of alcohol-consuming women reported AmED consumption in the past 12 months. AmED users experienced a greater number of alcohol-related consequences (e.g., missing class, engaging in unplanned sexual activity) than non-AmED users (men β: 0.804, p ≤ 0.0001; women β: 0.522, p ≤ 0.0001). Male AmED users consuming alcohol once a month (β: 1.155, p ≤ 0.0001) and female users consuming less than once a month (β: 1.019, p ≤ 0.0001) experienced the greatest number of consequences compared to non-users, as did AmED users consuming 3–4 drinks per drinking session (men β: 1.012, p ≤ 0.0001; women β: 0.993, p ≤ 0.0001). Our findings reveal that both male and female college students who consume AmED experience a greater number of negative alcohol-related consequences than those who do not. Rather than high-risk drinkers, moderate drinkers who consume alcohol infrequently and/or in low amounts may experience more consequences when consumers of AmED.