Caffeinated Cocktails: Get wired, Get drunk, Get injured

OBJECTIVES: Mixing alcohol with energy drinks is popular on college campuses. Limited research suggests that energy drink consumption lessens subjective intoxication in persons who have also consumed alcohol, but does not alter motor coordination or visual reaction times. This study examines the relationship between energy drink use, high-risk drinking behavior, and alcohol-related consequences.

METHODS: In Fall 2006, web based surveys were administered to stratified random samples of 4,275 college students from ten NC universities. Students answered questions regarding alcohol use, its consequences, and other health risk behaviors. Data were analyzed using multiple clustered logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for significant predictors (p< 0.05).

RESULTS: 697 students (16%) reported energy drink consumption. Students who were male (p <.001), White (p=.039), and Greek society members/pledges (p<.001) were more likely to consume energy drinks. In multivariable analyses, energy drink consumption was associated with heavy episodic drinking (AOR=8.2; p<.001) and getting drunk at least once per week (AOR=5.5; p<.001). Students who mixed alcohol and energy drinks were more likely to experience alcohol-related consequences, measured by 4 consequences subscales (p<.001). Point estimates of prevalence were higher for ED consumers for all 41 individual alcohol-related consequences. Energy drink consumption was associated with increased prevalence of drug use, including non-prescription use of stimulants (p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Energy drinks are heavily marketed to college students. College students who mix alcohol with energy drinks are at increased risk for alcohol-related injuries. Further research is necessary to understand this association and to develop targeted interventions to reduce injury risk.