If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

The new buzz (no pun intended) on the street is that increasing numbers of college kids are pairing energy drinks like Red Bull with alcohol.  So, what’s the effect? How about an increasing number of college students who are well on their way to developing an addiction to alcohol? Sure, it may seem harmless when you do it, and many college kids figure that since the energy drinks claim to give you an added “boost,” it’ll help them party longer and harder.  However, some research suggests that, in reality, what you end up with is a deadly mixture that could lead to cardiac problems as well as a higher potential for alcohol abuse.

Energy Drinks and Alcohol Just Don’t Mix

Consider the fact that an energy drink, such as Red Bull, contains a proportionately larger amount of caffeine than many other beverages (such as Coca Cola or any other soft drink or coffee).  Now, consider the fact that alcohol is considered a depressant.  Someone who takes a shot of vodka, for example, and then chases it with an energy drink usually does NOT experience the full effects of the alcohol; therefore, they will continue to drink because they are under the impression that they are not in any danger.  Nothing could be farther from the truth though.

Colleges should consider implementing some sort of drug and alcohol prevention education if they haven’t done so already.  When I was a student-athlete in college, we had to attend a few seminars each year that were mandatory.  We had to actually sign in so that it was documented that we were there. That is how seriously it was taken.  If we didn’t go to the seminars, there were serious repercussions to be had.  I’m not saying that this is how all colleges should function; but college kids need to develop an awareness to these sorts of things, which many of them treat as mundane.  They need to know that every day, someone becomes an alcoholic.  They may not plan on becoming alcoholics, but their actions now as well as the good or bad habits they develop will certainly dictate their futures.

For more information on drug and alcohol rehab, contact Mark Houston Recovery today!

Tags: General Category //