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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

(Newser) – 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."

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.
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,...   (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
NOS Energy Drink, the fastest growing energy drink in the category, targets the Energy Shot market and will launch NOS PowerShot in May.  (PRNewsFoto/FUZE Beverage)
NOS Energy Drink, the fastest growing energy drink in the category, targets the Energy Shot market and will launch NOS PowerShot in May. (PRNewsFoto/FUZE Beverage)   (AP Photo)
/Leading Brands, Inc. entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement between STOKED Energy Drink and Video Game Champions TEAM EG (PRIMEZONE)/
/Leading Brands, Inc. entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement between STOKED Energy Drink and Video Game Champions TEAM EG (PRIMEZONE)/   (AP Photo)
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