Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drinks As a Predictor of Alcohol-Related Consequences up to Two Years Later

Introduction.Alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) use has become more prevalent, particularly among young people. Amid growing public health concern, laboratory studies and cross-sectional epidemiologic research have demonstrated links between AmED use and greater alcohol use and consequences. These consequences may include increased risk of hazardous drinking; increased risk of physical consequences such as motor vehicle accidents; and negative impacts on school, work, and social relationships. Yet, longitudinal research that more rigorously tests the long-term consequences of AmED use is lacking.                                                                                                                   

Method. This study used longitudinal data on AmED use, alcohol consequences, and alcohol problems that were collected from the fall of students’ second year of college to the fall of their fourth year (N= 620, 49% male and with a mean age of 19.5 years in the fall of their second year). Logistic regression examined the relationship between AmED use in the second year of college with alcohol consequences, alcohol-related accidents, and serious alcohol problems, up to two years later.

Results.After we controlled for demographic indicators, heavy episodic drinking, and Greek involvement, AmED use was a consistent predictor of negative alcohol-related outcomes. Compared to no AmED use, both less frequent (1-3 times per month) and more frequent (1+ times per week) AmED use were associated with increased odds of negative alcohol consequences (OR=2.51 [95% CI=1.24,5.11] and OR=3.20 [1.32,7.76], for less frequent and more frequent use, respectively) and harmful/hazardous alcohol use (≥8 on Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test [AUDIT]; OR=2.24 [1.31,3.81] and OR=2.22 [1.03,4.78]). More frequent AmED use was also associated with increased odds of serious alcohol problems (16+ on AUDIT; OR=3.40 [1.27,9.14]) and alcohol-related accidents in the subsequent two years (OR= 3.35 [1.49,7.53]).

Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate a prospective increased risk of alcohol consequences among both frequent and infrequent AmED users. This suggests a continued need for policy that attempts to reduce and prevent the pairing of high-caffeine and alcoholic beverages as well as further research that addresses the surveillance, etiology and prevention of AmED use.