Researchers have issued a warning about the potential for increased violence when consuming vodka Red Bulls or other alcohol mixed with energy drinks. In response to their findings, experts are advocating for a campaign similar to those aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. The study, which examined the consequences of alcohol-energy drink consumption, revealed a correlation between these beverages and heightened physical and sexual aggression. Individuals who consumed these types of drinks were up to six times more likely to engage in fights and twice as likely to commit sexual assault. While the experts acknowledged that banning the sale of alcohol-energy drink mixes could potentially reduce violence, they noted that other factors may contribute to the findings. Instead, they are proposing a public health campaign to educate consumers about the risks associated with consuming these mixed drinks.
The research, published in the Clinical Psychology Review, analyzed 17 studies conducted globally between 2002 and 2023. Participants in these studies were individuals aged 25 and younger, and the research focused on the link between alcohol-energy drink consumption and physical and verbal aggression, as well as sexual assault and victimization. The NHS advises adults to limit their alcohol consumption to 14 units per week, which is equivalent to 14 single shots of spirits, six pints of beer, or one and a half bottles of wine. It is recommended that alcohol intake be spread out over three or more days to avoid binge drinking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that American men drink no more than 14 standard alcohol drinks per week, while women should consume no more than seven. A standard alcoholic drink is defined as 12 oz of 5% beer, 8 oz of 7% malt liquor, 5 oz of 12% wine, or 1.5 oz of spirits such as rum, gin, vodka, or whiskey.
The study revealed that physical fighting was the most prevalent behavior reported across all 17 studies. Various research from the US, Slovakia, and Italy found that individuals who consumed alcohol and energy drinks were six times more likely to engage in physical altercations compared to those who only consumed alcohol. Two Australian studies also discovered that about 9% of individuals who consumed alcohol-energy drink mixes had been involved in a physical fight in the past year, compared to 3.5% of individuals who only drank alcohol. The study also found a correlation between alcohol-energy drink consumption and sexual violence. A 2008 US study revealed that those who consumed these drinks were twice as likely to engage in sexual misconduct. The combination of alcohol and energy drinks creates a state of “wide-awake drunkenness,” where individuals lose their inhibitions to violence without the sedating effects of alcohol alone.
Professor Amie Haas, a co-author of the study, emphasized that the focus should not solely be on the types of drinks themselves, but on the individuals ordering them. While those who consume energy drink mixes are more likely to display aggressive behavior, the study found that these individuals also exhibited aggression on nights when they only consumed alcohol. Professor Haas clarified that establishments serving these mixes should be aware of the increased likelihood of violence but also noted that banning the drinks at these establishments may reduce violence because it deters consumers of alcohol-energy drinks, rather than due to the specific beverages being served.
Data from a 2022 OECD report revealed that in 2020, British adults consumed 9.7 liters of pure alcohol per person, slightly below the EU average. Combining alcohol with highly caffeinated energy drinks has long been cautioned against by medical professionals, primarily due to the health risks associated with increased alertness leading to excessive consumption. Campaigners have called for a ban on the sale of these products to individuals under 16, citing concerns about sugar and caffeine addiction. Previous studies have also linked high consumption of energy drinks with obesity, heart abnormalities, and even sudden death. Health organizations have echoed concerns about the role of energy drink and alcohol consumption in contributing to violence.
In conclusion, the study’s findings highlight the potential for increased violence when consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks. Experts are calling for a public health campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of these mixed drinks. While the study does not advocate for an outright ban, it suggests that establishments serving these mixes should be aware of the increased risk of violence. Additionally, measures such as proper controls on alcohol marketing, restrictions on sale and promotion in supermarkets and online, and investment in alcohol treatment are suggested to reduce alcohol-related harm. Local authorities have already implemented bans on drinking in public spaces to combat violence and aggressive behavior. The debate surrounding the benefits and risks of moderate alcohol consumption continues, with some studies suggesting potential health benefits while others emphasize the dangers of any level of alcohol consumption.
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