CAFFEINE & ENERGY DRINKS:
HIDDEN DANGERS
Medical professionals lament parental indifference to letting youngsters drink caffeine
“caffeine and other stimulant substances contained in energy drinks have no place in the diet of children and adolescents.”
Here’s what every parent needs to know about the health risks adolescents face from drinking these beverages.
Energy drinks have no health benefits for children.
Packaged in colorful cans, energy drinks are commonplace, in gas stations and grocery stores across the United States. They are advertised as a smart choice of beverage to drink when fatigued or in need of a boost.
Due to their high sugar content and stimulants (such as caffeine), the medical community discourages parents from letting their kids consume these drinks at all.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, alongside multivitamins, energy drinks are (1) the most sought after dietary supplement consumed by teens and young adults, with males between 18 and 34 drinking the most energy drinks and (2) about one-third of kids ages 12 to 17 consuming them regularly.
ENERGY DRINKS are one of the fastest growing beverage products on the global market.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, alongside multivitamins, energy drinks are (1) the most sought after dietary supplement consumed by teens and young adults, with males between 18 and 34 drinking the most energy drinks and (2) about one-third of kids ages 12 to 17 consuming them regularly.
What Is an Energy Drink?
A beverage that typically contains large amounts of caffeine, added sugars, other additives, and legal stimulants such asguarana, taurine, and L-carnitine.
These legal stimulants can increase alertness, attention, energy, as well as increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
These drinks are often used by students to provide an extra boost in energy. However, the stimulants in these drinks can have a harmful effect on the nervous system.
How Are Energy Drinks Dangerous?
To begin with, there is a potentially dangerous misconception about sports drinks and energy drinks.
Energy drinks have increasingly become a source of caffeine overdoses, according to a comprehensive study published in Pediatrics. Too much of these stimulants and chemicals can cause dependence, dehydration, insomnia, heart palpitations and/or an increased heart rate in both children and adults. But in children, these symptoms are often even more extreme.
Consuming energy drinks has even led to seizures, mania, stroke and death in rare situations.
While these adverse effects can occur even in healthy children with no known health complications, symptoms of consuming too many stimulants also may be magnified in children with existing conditions such as asthma or heart disease. The additives also can negatively interact with certain medications.
No matter how popular they may be, there is no safe amount of energy drinks that a child can consume.
Beyond the most sudden and life-threatening effects of energy drinks, regular consumption of these beverages also can lead to health problems linked to unhealthy amounts of sugar.
A single 16 oz. container of an energy drink may contain 54 to 62 grams of added sugar, according to a report on energy drinks from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
This far exceeds the recommended maximum amount of daily added sugars. Children indulging in these beverages are at-risk of developing obesity, diabetes and other diseases.
Energy drink addiction develops when individuals regularly consume beverages designed to boost energy, alertness, and physical performance, leading to a reliance on their stimulating effects. These drinks contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, taurine, and guarana.
Common brands such as Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, and 5-hour Energy are popular for their promise of quick energy boosts. They are consumed by those looking to fight fatigue, improve athletic performance, or sustain focus during long hours of work or study.
Globally, around 68% of adolescents report having consumed energy drinks, as reported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In the U.S., about 30% of teens and young adults drink them regularly, as reported by Simon M, Mosher J. et al. 2007, titled “Alcohol, energy drinks, and youth: a dangerous mix.”
Energy drink addiction is a growing concern due to the addictive properties of caffeine, a primary ingredient in these drinks. With regular and excessive consumption, the body develops a tolerance to caffeine, requiring increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same stimulating effects. Energy drink addiction is characterized by compulsive consumption, cravings, and difficulty reducing intake despite negative consequences on health and daily life.
Common symptoms of energy drink addiction include restlessness, irritability, digestive issues, and difficulty sleeping. People who are dependent on energy drinks experience mood swings, headaches, and feelings of lethargy when they attempt to reduce consumption.
Energy drinks elevate heart rate and blood pressure, leading to palpitations, particularly with high intake. The stimulant effects of caffeine cause insomnia or poor-quality sleep, disrupting natural sleep patterns.
These symptoms interfere with daily functioning and significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
The main causes of energy drink addiction include excessive caffeine consumption, psychological factors, and lifestyle influences. Stressful environments, long working hours, and the need for quick energy boosts lead to habitual energy drink use. Psychological dependence on energy drinks forms where individuals rely on the perceived benefits of energy drinks, such as increased focus, boosted energy, or productivity.
The health effects of energy drink addiction range from mild to severe. Common short-term effects include increased heart rate, anxiety, dehydration, and digestive problems.
In more serious cases, long-term consumption leads to cardiovascular issues, kidney stones, obesity, diabetes, and mental health problems such as anxiety disorders and depression. Prolonged energy drink use also contributes to sleep disturbances, leading to chronic fatigue.
Assessment of energy drink addiction involves self-reporting questionnaires and diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders. Health professionals assess the frequency of consumption, the presence of withdrawal symptoms, and the impact of energy drink use on physical and mental health. In some cases, psychological assessments are used to evaluate the extent of dependence and related behaviors.
Treatment methods for energy drink addiction include behavioral and lifestyle interventions, counseling, and medical support. Gradual reduction of caffeine intake, combined with healthier lifestyle choices such as improved sleep habits and stress management, is effective.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has also shown promise in helping individuals manage cravings and change addictive behaviors, with success rates around 40% to 60%, as claimed by Very Well Mind. Medical interventions are also necessary for severe cases, such as when energy drink consumption leads to serious health complications.
Energy drink withdrawal is challenging, with symptoms ranging from headaches and fatigue to irritability and difficulty concentrating. The severity of energy drink withdrawal depends on the level of dependence, amount of consumption, and lifestyle. These symptoms begin within 12 to 24 hours of the last energy drink and last for a few days to a week, depending on individual tolerance and frequency of use, according to a study by Sajadi-Ernazarova KR, Hamilton RJ. et al. 2023, titled “Caffeine Withdrawal.” With proper support and gradual reduction, most individuals recover from withdrawal symptoms without long-term health issues.
Energy drink addiction is linked to other behavioral and substance addictions, such as caffeine dependence, gaming addiction, food addiction, and exercise addiction. The cross-addiction risks are especially notable, as the behaviors associated with one addiction trigger or exacerbate others.
Understanding these connections is important for developing comprehensive treatment plans for those struggling with multiple addictions. A study of 6,000 respondents in Alberta conducted by Konkolÿ Thege B et al. 2016, titled “Co-occurring substance-related and behavioral addiction problems: A person-centered, lay epidemiology approach,” found that cross-addiction is prevalent, with 13.1% respondents reporting multiple addiction issues, including substance use and behavioral problems.
Healthier alternatives to energy drinks include herbal teas, natural fruit juices, coconut water, and plain water. These options provide hydration, essential nutrients, and moderate energy boosts without the negative effects of excessive caffeine or sugar. Adopting these healthier alternatives helps individuals reduce reliance on energy drinks while supporting overall well-being.
What Is Energy Drink Addiction?
Energy drink addiction is a pattern of excessive and compulsive consumption of energy drinks due to the caffeine and sugar these beverages contain, which leads to dependency. Energy drink addiction occurs when individuals become reliant on these drinks to boost energy, focus, or mood, leading to physical and psychological cravings. Over time, people experience withdrawal symptoms—such as headaches, irritability, and fatigue—if they reduce their intake.
More Resources on Addiction:
Energy drinks are addictive primarily due to their high caffeine and sugar content. Caffeine acts as a stimulant, enhancing alertness by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.
Over time, the body builds tolerance to caffeine, causing individuals to consume more to achieve the same effects. Additionally, the sugar in energy drinks causes a rapid blood sugar spike followed by a crash, leading to repeated cravings for another boost.
Energy drink addiction is an increasingly recognized issue, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Globally, around 68% of adolescents report having consumed energy drinks, as reported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In the U.S., about 30% of teens and young adults drink them regularly, as reported by Simon M, Mosher J. et al. 2007, titled “Alcohol, energy drinks, and youth: a dangerous mix.” In 2021, it was found that nearly 10% of U.S. adolescents are at risk of energy drink dependence, with rates rising worldwide due to aggressive marketing and accessibility.
According to the FDA, most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine daily, which is equivalent to about four cups of coffee, ten cans of cola, or two energy shots. However, a single can or bottle of energy drink contains anywhere from 80 mg to over 500 mg of caffeine, as reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This variability and potential for excessive caffeine intake contribute to the risk of dependence and the growing prevalence of energy drink addiction.
Why Are Energy Drinks Addictive?
Energy drinks are addictive because they contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, both of which stimulate the brain’s reward pathways. Caffeine, a known stimulant, enhances the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, leading to feelings of alertness and energy. Over time, the brain develops a dependency on caffeine to feel awake and alert, making withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and irritability common when intake is reduced.
According to Josep M. Serra Grabulosa and colleagues in a 2010 study titled “Glucose and caffeine effects on sustained attention: an exploratory fMRI study,” caffeine and glucose together improve cognitive performance by enhancing brain areas related to sustained attention and working memory. While this synergy temporarily boosts focus, excess energy drink consumption leads to negative health effects.
A 2023 review by Gillespie KM et al., titled “The Impact of Free and Added Sugars on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” analyzed 77 studies and found a significant correlation between added sugar consumption and an increased risk of cognitive impairment. While short-term glucose intake enhances cognitive tasks like recall, excessive or long-term added sugar intake was associated with negative cognitive effects. The findings indicate that tightly regulated blood glucose levels, tailored to individual needs, are essential for optimal cognitive function.
What Are the Symptoms of Energy Drink Addiction?
The symptoms of energy drink addiction include physical, psychological, and behavioral signs that emerge with excessive or habitual consumption. Physical symptoms range from headaches and increased heart rate to digestive issues, while psychological symptoms include anxiety and dependence on energy drinks to feel alert or manage mood. Behavioral symptoms involve a pattern of compulsive energy drink consumption despite negative impacts on daily life.
Energy Drinks: Why Are They Sending So Many People to the ER?
Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Caffeine
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans cautions against mixing alcohol with caffeine.
When alcohol is mixed with caffeine, the caffeine can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, making drinkers feel more alert than they would otherwise.
As a result, they may drink more alcohol and become more impaired than they realize, increasing the risk of alcohol-attributable harms.
Caffeine has no effect on the metabolism of alcohol by the liver and thus does not reduce breath or blood alcohol concentrations (it does not “sober you up”) or reduce impairment due to alcohol consumption.
Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Energy Drinks
Energy drinks typically contain caffeine, plant-based stimulants, simple sugars, and other additives.
Mixing alcohol with energy drinks is a popular practice, especially among young people in the United States.
Liquor was the usual type of alcohol consumed by students who reported mixing alcohol and energy drinks (52.7%).
Drinkers aged 15 to 23 who mix alcohol with energy drinks are 4 times more likely to binge drink at high intensity (i.e., consume 6 or more drinks per binge episode) than drinkers who do not mix alcohol with energy drinks.
Drinkers who mix alcohol with energy drinks are more likely than drinkers who do not mix alcohol with energy drinks to report unwanted or unprotected sex, driving drunk or riding with a driver who was intoxicated, or sustaining alcohol-related injuries.
Study Suggest Link Between Energy Drinks and Drug Use
Energy drinks can give someone a temporary boost in alertness or physical pep, but there’s a downside. We’ve mentioned before that using energy drinks can have unpleasant side effects. People have even gone to the ER complaining about side effects.
Now it turns out there’s another risk associated with energy drinks: College students’ regular use of energy drinks might increase their risk for drug problems.
Energy now, trouble later?
A recent study asked more than 1,000 college students about their use of energy drinks and other caffeinated drinks, cocaine, and alcohol.
The researchers found that students who regularly consumed (or increased their use of) energy drinks had higher rates of cocaine use, prescription stimulant misuse, and alcohol problems compared with students who didn’t consume energy drinks.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that regularly using energy drinks causes drug problems later, but the connection is getting the attention of scientists.
Caffeine and the Teen Brain
Some studies have suggested that caffeine, found in high amounts in many energy drinks, might be “priming” the teen brain—which is still developing—for drug use later in life.
Teens who regularly consume caffeine might have a greater “tolerance” to it, compared to adults, which means they’re more likely to consume more caffeine to feel that peppy effect. So, scientists suspect that caffeine may cause greater brain changes in young people who consume it regularly compared with teens who don’t.
One of those changes could be a higher risk for drug problems, including addiction, in the future.
