Rethink that Jagerbomb

Today’s post is brought to you by the Peer Health Educators at Queen’s University (used with permission):

Learning more about this common cocktail may cause you to buck the trend. The next time the bartender asks for your drink order, consider...

We’ve all been told time and again that mixing alcohol with other substances is a dangerous game to play. However, many students continue to roll the dice and buy into the myths and misconceptions surrounding the combined use of alcohol and energy drinks, without knowing the real and serious consequences for the body and mind. A study of Canadian university students reported that 67% of students mix alcohol with energy drinks and 19% had done so in the previous week.

Want to have a great night to remember with your friends? Energy drinks contain immense amounts of caffeine, which masks the symptoms of intoxication but does not reduce impairment, causing you to drink more…and more. This binging, paired with a sugar overload can lead to a messy night…and morning, that’s no fun for anyone.

Studies also suggest that there is a higher dis-inhibiting effect from the combination of alcohol and caffeine, compared to alcohol alone. The collision between the sedatives in alcohol and the stimulants in energy drinks, leads to high impairment but also feelings of awareness and control. This combination can lead to risky behaviours such as drinking and driving, violence and unsafe sex. Again, not impressing your friends or yourself.

On top of sickness, hangovers, social embarrassment, and regrettable choices, combining alcohol and energy drinks also poses serious health risks. These include headaches, tremors, insomnia, heart irregularities, seizures, and cardiovascular failure.

Next time you’re heading out with your friends, think about nixing the Jagerbomb or Vodka Rockstar, and make it a good night for everyone.

Sources:

Want to learn more? Check out this recent article in the Huffington Post for a quick overview, or this document from Public Health, or a full report from Canada's prominent alcohol research team.