Experts Warn Against Mixing Alcohol With Energy Drinks

Medical experts have warned against mixing alcohol with energy drinks, saying it is dangerous to health.

The experts said the practice was common among young people in the society.

A Professor of Public Health at the University of Ilorin, Tanimola Akande, said individuals who mixed alcohol with an energy drink were more likely to report unwanted or unprotected sex than individuals who did not mix their drinks.

Prof. Akande said, “Mixing alcohol with an energy drink is a popular practice, especially among young people and it is a dangerous practice that is on the increase in the society.

“Energy drinks typically contain caffeine, plant-based stimulants, simple sugar, and other additives.”

He explained that “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 realise, increasing the risk of alcohol-attributable harms. The consumption of energy drinks that contain or are mixed with alcohol may mask the signs of impairment and increase the risk of injury.”

Also, a consultant family physician and Head of Department, Family Medicine Department at the University of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Kuranga-Suleiman, said energy drinks contained sugar, calorie, and caffeine and should not be mixed with any drink to avoid damaging the vital organs in the body.

 “You will be doing yourself a lot of harm mixing energy drinks with alcohol or any other drinks. You will become addicted and when that happens, it will become a medical issue,” the expert added.

PUNCH/ Mercy Chukwudiebere