Joris C. Verster

Energy drinks mixed with alcohol: are there any risks?

There have now been a number of publications, including laboratory studies and surveys, on alcohol mixed with energy drinks. Some authors have highlighted problems associated with consumption of this beverage combination, including reduced perception of alcohol intoxication and greater alcohol consumption with more negative consequences as a result. For example, the recent article by Marczinski and Fillmore entitled “Energy drinks mixed with alcohol: what are the risks?” suggests that “consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks is riskier than consuming alcohol alone and constitutes a public health concern.”1 While some publications conclude that consumption of energy drinks mixed with alcohol is problematic, others do not support these claims and point out the methodological shortcomings of many studies in this area.

An effective hangover treatment: Friend or foe?:

Background The purpose of this study was to examine whether drinkers would change their alcohol consumption behavior if an effective hangover treatment became available. Methods An online survey was held among Dutch students, aged 18–30 years, who recently had a hangover. Participants were asked (1) whether they would buy an effective hangover treatment if it became available and (2) whether using such a product would increase their alcohol consumption. In a follow-up survey, the same participants could clarify their answers in detail. Results A total of 1837 subjects completed the survey: 69.9% of the participants indicated they would buy an effective hangover treatment if available, 8.1% answered “no”, and 22.1% did not know. Only 13.4% stated that using such a treatment would increase their alcohol consumption. The majority of 71.6% stated it would not increase their alcohol consumption and 15.1% did not know. The follow-up survey was completed by N = 471 participants, of which 11.9% stated consuming more alcohol, 70.3% reported not to drink more alcohol, and 17.8% did not know. Motives for not consuming more alcohol were “The risk of having a hangover does not influence my drinking behavior” (24.2%), and “alcohol is a harmful substance” (20.3%). Discussion Social drinkers second the need for an effective hangover treatment. However, according to the vast majority of them, the availability of an effective hangover treatment would not result in an increase of alcohol consumption.

United Kingdom wide student survey: Effects of mixing alcohol with energy drink

Introduction and Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate patterns of supplement use among male university students, who have been identified as high consumers of these substances. Design and Methods: An online survey investigating supplement use was conducted over four weeks. Participants were sent a link to the survey via email and through posts on the online homepages of units from the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University. Results: Sixty-one males completed the survey (median age 21 years). All participants had used at least one supplement in their lifetime, with most having used legal supplements; the most commonly used supplement was sports drinks (80%), followed by protein (80%), and vitamins and minerals (80%). Although no participants reported use of anabolic-androgenic steroids, 18% would consider using them in the future. Motivations for use differed according to substance; for instance, vitamins and minerals were used for general health purposes while creatine was used to gain muscle. Friends were a common source of information about supplements (57%), followed by online (36%) and a supplement store staff member (22%). Participants reported few negative side effects from supplement use. Discussion and Conclusions: Supplement use is common among this group, and some indicate intentions to use more serious substances such as steroids. This study presents valuable findings about supplement use habits and patterns among male university students. However, more research is needed among this population to determine whether body image and exercise habits can influence supplement use.Abstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2014, 9-12 November 2014, Adelaide, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2014, 9-12 November 2014, Adelaide, AustraliaIntroduction and aims: contemporary research examining drinking behaviour highlights the importance of implicit processes in the initiation and maintenance of alcohol consumption. By definition, implicit attitudes are formed through experience with a target object. It is argued that implicit attitudes toward alcohol may be ambivalent because consuming alcohol can produce various negative (e.g. feeling nauseous) and positive consequences (e.g. feeling relaxed). Therefore the aim of the current study was to examine the ambivalent nature of implicit alcohol-related attitudes. Design and methods: participants (N= 343, M= 25.72 years) completed a Single-Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT) in which they were required to classify alcohol-related words with positively- and negatively-valenced words. The reaction times (RTs) for each pairing were then calculated and compared. Implicit ambivalence was operationalised as having similar RTs for classifying alcohol-related words with positive words and classifying alcohol-related words with negative words. Results: RTs for pairing alcohol with positive words (M= 752ms) were similar to those pairing alcohol with negative words (M= 716ms), suggesting implicit ambivalence toward alcohol consumption. ANOVAs revealed a pattern of results suggesting that drinking more standard drinks in a single drinking episode produced greater feelings of implicit ambivalence. Discussion and conclusions: these findings suggest that individuals hold both positive and negative implicit evaluations toward alcohol consumption. Furthermore, implicit attitudes toward alcohol may become more ambivalent as individuals consume more alcohol. This suggests that greater alcohol consumption may produce more experiences with both positive and negative consequences and lead to the development of implicitly ambivalent attitudes.

Engagement in negative alcohol-related behaviours associated with alcohol and energy drink consumption: an Australian survey

Introduction and Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate patterns of supplement use among male university students, who have been identified as high consumers of these substances. Design and Methods: An online survey investigating supplement use was conducted over four weeks. Participants were sent a link to the survey via email and through posts on the online homepages of units from the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University. Results: Sixty-one males completed the survey (median age 21 years). All participants had used at least one supplement in their lifetime, with most having used legal supplements; the most commonly used supplement was sports drinks (80%), followed by protein (80%), and vitamins and minerals (80%). Although no participants reported use of anabolic-androgenic steroids, 18% would consider using them in the future. Motivations for use differed according to substance; for instance, vitamins and minerals were used for general health purposes while creatine was used to gain muscle. Friends were a common source of information about supplements (57%), followed by online (36%) and a supplement store staff member (22%). Participants reported few negative side effects from supplement use. Discussion and Conclusions: Supplement use is common among this group, and some indicate intentions to use more serious substances such as steroids. This study presents valuable findings about supplement use habits and patterns among male university students. However, more research is needed among this population to determine whether body image and exercise habits can influence supplement use.Abstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2014, 9-12 November 2014, Adelaide, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2014, 9-12 November 2014, Adelaide, AustraliaIntroduction and aims: contemporary research examining drinking behaviour highlights the importance of implicit processes in the initiation and maintenance of alcohol consumption. By definition, implicit attitudes are formed through experience with a target object. It is argued that implicit attitudes toward alcohol may be ambivalent because consuming alcohol can produce various negative (e.g. feeling nauseous) and positive consequences (e.g. feeling relaxed). Therefore the aim of the current study was to examine the ambivalent nature of implicit alcohol-related attitudes. Design and methods: participants (N= 343, M= 25.72 years) completed a Single-Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT) in which they were required to classify alcohol-related words with positively- and negatively-valenced words. The reaction times (RTs) for each pairing were then calculated and compared. Implicit ambivalence was operationalised as having similar RTs for classifying alcohol-related words with positive words and classifying alcohol-related words with negative words. Results: RTs for pairing alcohol with positive words (M= 752ms) were similar to those pairing alcohol with negative words (M= 716ms), suggesting implicit ambivalence toward alcohol consumption. ANOVAs revealed a pattern of results suggesting that drinking more standard drinks in a single drinking episode produced greater feelings of implicit ambivalence. Discussion and conclusions: these findings suggest that individuals hold both positive and negative implicit evaluations toward alcohol consumption. Furthermore, implicit attitudes toward alcohol may become more ambivalent as individuals consume more alcohol. This suggests that greater alcohol consumption may produce more experiences with both positive and negative consequences and lead to the development of implicitly ambivalent attitudes.

Meta-analysis comparing alcohol consumption on alcohol mixed with energy drink occasions versus alcohol only occasions

Abstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, Australiapresented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, Australia

Alcohol mixed with energy drink and other non-alcoholic beverages: consequences for overall alcohol consumption

Abstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, Australiapresented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, Australia

Negative and neutral motives for alcohol consumption when mixed with energy drink and other non-alcoholic beverages

Abstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, Australiapresented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, Australia

Symposium: Alcohol mixed with energy drink: should we focus on the mixer or alcohol itself?

Abstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, Australiapresented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, AustraliaAbstract presented at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2013, 24-27 November 2013, Brisbane, Australia