Narcotic Effect When Mixing Alcohol And Energy Drinks

Author: Karen Lennox Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

In this article, learn more about Narcotic Effect When Mixing Alcohol And Energy Drinks. Do we need stricter supervision of energy drinks?.

Consumption of alcohol in combination with energy drinks containing caffeine can lead to changes in the brain comparable to those of cocaine use . Especially in young people under the age of 25, whose brain is still developing, the combination can lead to permanent structural and behavioral disorders.

This conclusion was reached by scientists from Purdue University in 2016. The team conducted several studies on the relationship between alcohol consumption and caffeinated beverages. Both substances are well known and have been the subject of much research, but when their combined effect is observed, the effects are strikingly similar to those of cocaine use: the subjects are becoming more active but also intoxicated; speak faster than usual; react to certain stimuli more strongly, etc.

The most important sign, however, is the increase in blood levels of the protein osFosB, which is a marker of long-term changes in brain neurochemistry and is observed in similar elevated levels in individuals addicted to cocaine and morphine .

The changes in the brain that accompany the release of ΔFosB protein are among the main causes of drug addiction - the changes are permanent and make it very difficult to give up substances, including alcohol. The behavior of those affected also changes - it becomes much harder to give up pleasant, pleasurable food, drinks, emotions and sensations.

Researchers are raising the question of whether energy drinks should not be under similar control to alcoholic beverages, especially to limit adolescents' access to them. According to a study by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), incidents and hospitalizations related to the use of energy drinks by minors are increasing every year.

Narcotic Effect When Mixing Alcohol And Energy Drinks

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