Energy drinks are readily available for purchase by anyone. A few examples are Red Bull, Monster, Venom and Spike Shooters. They claim to provide increased energy, keeping you active and alert. But do you really know what you are drinking?
These beverages are potentially addictive. They contain high doses of caffeine. For example, a Spike Shooter (8.4 ounces) contains 300 milligrams of caffeine, a Red Bull (8 ounces) has 80 milligrams. In comparison, a 12-ounce can of Pepsi contains 38 milligrams of caffeine. Addiction to caffeine can develop in as little as three days.
In addition to containing excessive amounts of caffeine, many of these energy drinks contain multiple herbal stimulants, such as Ginseng and Ginko Biloba. It is unwise to consume these beverages if you take prescription medication.
Within the past two years, a new twist to these beverages has emerged – energy drinks premixed with alcohol. The most popular brand on the market is Four Loko; nicknamed “blackout in a can,” “cocaine in a can,” and “wide awake drunk.” They have gained popularity among college students because their ease of accessibility, affordability, and appeal. They taste like fruit soda and only cost about $3.
However, their excessive ingredients and potency are alarming. One can of Four Loko (23.5 ounces) contains 12-percent alcohol, which is equivalent to drinking five, 12-ounce cans of beer. In addition, they contain four cups of coffee. One can, one serving is enough to cause a rapid intoxication.
The dangers lie not only in the excessive ingredients, but also in how these drugs interact in the body. Caffeine essentially masks the effects of alcohol. As a result, a person soon becomes unaware of their state of intoxication and may continue to drink.
Moreover, the caffeine makes a person feel alert and energetic, but they are still drunk. They perceive their mind to be mentally sharp, but reflexes, motor skills and reaction time are significantly impaired.
Consuming energy drinks with alcohol is creating a multitude of serious health problems. Examples include heart palpitations, abnormal heart rhythms, anxiety, extreme mood swings, tremors or shaking, psychosis episodes, black-outs and alcohol poisoning.
Bad consequences
In October, nine college students from Central Washington University were hospitalized. Just last week, a 21-year-old women died in Maryland. Consuming energy drinks with alcohol, either purchased premixed from a store, or mixed by a bartender, this combination of drugs significantly places your health and potentially your life in jeopardy.
Numerous college campuses throughout the Unites States already have banned these caffeine-alcoholic beverages. Many states have banned or are in the process of banning these beverages, including Washington, New York, Michigan, Utah, Indiana and Arkansas.
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Dr. Linda Petter, of Auburn, is a weekly feature on the ABC affiliate KOMO TV/News Radio in Seattle (1000 AM & 97.7 FM) every Sunday live 7:45 a.m. She trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Illinois, Carle Hospital. Dr. Petter is Chief of the Department of Family Practice at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. Her books, “Healthcare On a Budget” and “Common Medical Sense”, are available on Amazon.com.
