Mixing energy drinks and alcohol ups injury risk: study

TORONTO, Mar 22: Like your alcohol served with energy drinks? Think again! People who mix highly caffeinated energy drinks and alcoholic beverages may be at an increased risk for injury, new research has warned.
Scientists classified the injuries as unintentional such as falls or motor vehicle accidents and intentional such as fights or other physical violence.
Researchers at the University of Victoria in Canada analysed peer-reviewed journal articles on the topic of alcohol and energy drinks published from 1981 to 2016 and shortlisted about 13.
Of those articles, 10 showed evidence of a link between the use of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) and an increased risk of injury compared to drinking alcohol only.
“The stimulant effects of caffeine mask the result that most people get when they drink,” said lead study author Audra Roemer of University of Victoria.
“Usually when you’re drinking alcohol, you get tired and you go home. Energy drinks mask that, so people may underestimate how intoxicated they are, end up staying out later, consume more alcohol, and engage in risky behaviour and more hazardous drinking practises,” Roemer added.
The research was published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. (AGENCIES)