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19 years
They say it is dangerous and bad for the health to mix vodka with energy drinks such as red bull? Why is it more dangerous than other alcohol mixes?
Oct 30, 2014
2nd opinion

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Pre-mixed alcoholic energy drink products have now been banned in some states in the US. The FDA also clearly stated that the addition of caffeine to alcohol products is an “unsafe additive.” The kind of alcohol used is of no major importance; the health hazard is there whether you use Vodka or other alcoholic beverages.
The danger lies in the fact that the stimulants in energy drinks can mask the depressant effects of the alcohol, as scientific research has revealed that the consumption of high amounts of caffeine (as found in energy drinks) counteracts the drowsiness produced by alcohol without diminishing the effects of alcohol, resulting in “wide awake drunkenness"; the mix of alcohol and caffeine can lead to a loss of inhibition.
Consequences include:
- Drinking more than anticipated and/or more than can be safely consumed because the normal onset of sleepiness is delayed
- Inability to judge your level of intoxication because caffeine reduces the feeling of drunkenness, although not the overall level of impairment.
- Taking greater risks, such as driving after drinking, because the combination makes you feel less intoxicated that you are.

Impaired judgment is not the sole consequence of alcohol-energy drink mix, because the combination of a depressant and a stimulant can also exert a negative effect on the heart. Shortness of breath, elevated heart rate, and heart attacks can result. For adolescents and people with certain health conditions, high levels of caffeine are especially dangerous.
Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics (drive fluids out of the body through urination), and dehydration is another side effect.

Researchers at the University of Florida released findings from a survey of about 800 randomly selected, college-age bar patrons that showed those who consumed alcohol and caffeine were more intoxicated than those who only had alcohol and were four times more likely to say they wanted to drive home. They report feeling less drunk, but their intoxication levels are masked by the stimulant, making them more prone to injury and alcohol poisoning.
Furthermore, researchers from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that those who consumed energy drinks with alcohol were more likely to:
Take advantage of or be taken advantage of sexually
Ride with a drunk driver
Be hurt or injured
Require medical treatment as a result of their drinking
Serving alcohol and energy drinks
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