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Energy Drinks + Alcohol = Dangerous Cocktail

Study finds students at dramatically higher risk after drinking both beverages

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 5, 2007 1:50 PM CST

(Newser) – College students downing Red Bull and vodka—or any other energy drink-alcohol combo—are at least twice as likely to be injured, ride with a drunk driver, or be involved in a sexual assault as those drinking regular cocktails. The stimulant/depressant mixture prevents students from recognizing intoxication in themselves or others, a researcher who worked on a new study says.

“We were surprised that the risk of serious and potentially deadly consequences is so much higher," the researcher told Fox News, "even when we adjusted for the amount of alcohol.” The study used the Internet to survey more than 4,000 students from 10 universities, of whom 24% said they mixed alcohol and energy drinks.

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[Videos (1)]

"We were surprised that the risk of serious and potentially deadly consequences is so much higher for those who mixed energy drinks with alcohol," said one author of the study, "even when we adjusted... (Shutterstock.com)

Prepackaged alcoholic energy drinks like Sparks from the Miller Brewing company, almost double the risk of accident or injury to the consumer. ((c) edkohler)

Popular caffeinated mixers like Red Bull and other sodas and energy drinks contribute heavily to alcohol-related injuries, according to the study. ((c) elliottcable)

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One Campus news program addresses the phenomenon of alcohol and energy drink mixing. (NewsTeamBoulder (YouTube))

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Energy Drinks + Alcohol = Dangerous Cocktail