Energy Drinks and Alcohol

Energy Drinks And Alcohol
Mixing alcohol with energy drinks is foolhardy at best and downright dangerous at worst

When combined, ingredients found in energy drinks and alcohol create a volatile and unhealthy mixture that adversely affects the central nervous system (CNS). Energy drinks contain large amounts of the stimulant caffeine, along with taurine, guarana and ginseng. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a depressant. Rather than canceling each other out, as it would seem logical, these two substances generate chaotic chemical imbalances that, in effect, abuse and possibly cause irreparable harm to the CNS, circulatory and endocrine system.

Caffeine's effects on the human body include:

Blocking adenosine receptors in the brain--adenosine has a natural, calming effect on the CNS
Stimulates adrenal glands and adrenaline secretion
Pupil dilation, increased heart rate, contraction of muscles
Extra glucose is released into the body
Increases dopamine levels--dopamine is responsible for activating the part of the brain dealing with pleasure and reward
May cause irritability, restlessness and headaches
Elevates blood pressure
Acts as a diuretic

Conversely, the effects of alcohol on the human body include:

Impairment of memory--alcohol inhibits transfer and reinforcement of data inserted into long-term memory
Interferes with REM sleep--reason for still feeling tired upon awakening from an alcohol-induced sleep
Depresses motor coordination and impulse control
Decreases pulse rate, respiration and blood pressure
Inhibits higher activity in the cerebral cortex - allows the limbic system to take over, which controls only basic instincts

According to an article published on Scientific American's website on November 9, 2010:

"alcohol works in part potentiating the GABAergic neurotransmitter system. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. When the neurons in the brain release GABA, it acts to slow down or inhibit other neural processes. This can reduce anxiety, increase relaxation while sedating a person. With higher levels of alcohol occurring as a result of the combination of energy drinks and alcohol, problems can arise as important neural and other bodily systems become overinhibited and shut down".

Stimulants Increase Alcohol Consumption

As a result of caffeine in energy drinks suppressing the sedation caused by alcohol, individuals who consume energy drinks while also drinking alcohol are generally able to drink more alcohol without experiencing the intensely anesthetizing effects produced by alcohol alone. In addition, research suggests that intake of energy drinks and alcohol produces excess dopamine secretion, which encourages the person to drink even more of both substances.

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Alcohol Poisoning

Energy drinks, as well as other stimulants, will cause a person who is drinking alcohol to think they are not impaired. According to dietitian Theresa Osteen who works in the U.S. Army Health Clinic Preventative Services and writes for the Army's official website:

"no matter how alert someone may feel, the alcohol in the energy drink is raising the blood alcohol concentration in the body, just as if they were having an alcoholic drink".

In addition, the sedating effects of alcohol remain in the body once the stimulating effects of energy drinks diminish, potentially causing alcohol poisoning if too much alcohol was consumed. Alcohol-induced sickness symptoms include:

Vomiting during sleep

Respiratory depression

Panic attacks

Insomnia

Extreme anxiety

Severe gastrointestinal issues

Possible cardiovascular failure

Moderate to excessive consumption of energy drinks and alcohol may result in a trip to the emergency room or even an extended stay in the hospital.

Caffeine Withdrawal

Habitual users of energy drinks who attempt to give up, will find they suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and irritability lasting for about a week.

However, someone who is a heavy or dependent alcohol drinker will suffer more disturbing symptoms than those involved with caffeine withdrawal. If you think you might be dependent on alcohol, then it is essential you consult a medical professional prior to giving up alcohol. Withdrawal from alcohol can be fatal.

If you need help overcoming an energy drink and alcohol addiction, then we can provide a free consultation and drinking assessment to help you decide what is the best course of action to take regarding your drinking.

If you found this page helpful, then the following may be of interest to you:

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Deborah Morrow, M.S. Addiction Psychology, is the director of treatment programs for The Alcoholism Guide website. In her practice Deborah provides on-line coaching and support for those dependent on alcohol or who require other services such as relapse prevention or court mandated services. (Read More)

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