Energy Drinks Linked to Risk-Taking

Two studies find increased incidence of risky sexual behavior, binge drinking
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted May 27, 2008 1:59 PM CDT
Energy Drinks Linked to Risk-Taking
Palestinian militants from Hamas drink Red Bull energy drinks as they celebrate their capture of the Preventive Security headquarters during fighting with Fatah loyalist security forces in Gaza City, Thursday, June 14, 2007.   (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Beside nausea and stomach trouble, there’s a new reason to be concerned when you see your teen slamming four Red Bulls in an afternoon, the New York Times reports: risky behavior. A study in the Journal of American College Health links use of energy drinks with risky behavior such as violence, unprotected sex and binge drinking.

The lead researcher isn’t saying the drinks cause risky behavior, but nonetheless “it appears the kids who are heavily into drinking energy drinks are more likely to be the ones who are inclined toward taking risks.” Adds one professor of the trend of mixing energy drinks with alcohol: “You’re every bit as drunk, you’re just an awake drunk." (More energy drink stories.)

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