Energy Drinks Sign Of ‘Risky Behavior’

In a study by the Journal of American College Health, researchers learned that consumption of energy drinks by teens, while increasing heart rates and allowing your to stay awake in class, is also linked to “unprotected sex, substance abuse and violence.”

From the IHT.com:

The study’s author, Kathleen Miller, an addiction researcher at the University of Buffalo, says it suggests that high consumption of energy drinks is associated with “toxic jock” behavior, a constellation of risky and aggressive behaviors including unprotected sex, substance abuse and violence.

The finding doesn’t mean the drinks cause bad behavior. But the data suggest that regular consumption of energy drinks may be a red flag for parents that their children are more likely to take risks with their health and safety. “It appears the kids who are heavily into drinking energy drinks are more likely to be the ones who are inclined toward taking risks,” Miller said.

But it’s not just the energy boosting qualities of the drinks that worry uptight researchers. “Another worry is the increasing popularity of mixing energy drinks with alcohol,” says the article. “The addition of caffeine can make alcohol users feel less drunk, but motor coordination and visual reaction time are just as impaired as when they drink alcohol by itself…”

Ok, so basically if you like energy drinks, you’re already predisposed to debauchery. Add alcohol to the mix, and you get drunk and don’t realize it. Not only that, but those who get do mix energy drinks and alcohol get drunk twice as often as those who don’t, and are “far more likely to be injured or require medical treatment while drinking.” Plus, “Energy drink mixers were more likely to be victims or perpetrators of aggressive sexual behavior.”

I guess Red Bull won’t just give you wings–it’ll give you 15-years for rape and battery.