Caffeinated alcoholic beverage (CABs) include alcohol mixed with energy drinks and alcohol mixed with cola. CAB consumption has been linked to alcohol-related harms. A new study examined this relationship using daily online diary entries from 122 U.S. college students. Measures included alcohol use, type of CAB mixer, and drinking-related outcomes. The researchers also controlled for impulsivity. Participants were moderate to heavy drinkers who reported consuming CABs at least once in the past week. 76.2% of participants completed diary entries for at least 12 of the 14 days during the data collection period and 389 total entries were collected. Results showed CAB consumption was significantly associated with heavier alcohol use and more alcohol-related harms, such as blacking out and hangovers. Participants also drank significantly more on occasions on which they consumed energy drinks and alcohol, compared to alcohol and cola. No differences were found for alcohol-related harms by type of CAB mixer.
Take away: Caffeinated alcoholic beverage consumption may be risky, especially when alcohol is mixed with energy drinks.