Energy drinks may seem harmless, but they can be toxic for teens because of their high caffeine content. In some cases, they can also increase a teen’s risk of drug and alcohol abuse.
Substance use in adolescencecan involve a variety of different drugs, andenergy drinks for kidsmay be problematic because of high caffeine and sugar content. Learn more about the risks associated with energy drink consumption and their link todrug and alcohol useamong teens.
Teen Energy Drink Use Statistics
The use of energy drinks is widespread among youth.Energy drink statistics, derived from alargestudyof teens in grades 8–12, show that about 30% of teens use these products.The American Academy of Pediatricscautions that this level of energy drink consumption among teens can be dangerous because a canned energy drink can contain upwards of 500 milligrams of caffeine, which could be toxic for youth. According to onestudy,there were 5,448 caffeineoverdosesduring a single year in the United States, and nearly half of these cases were in people under the age of 19.
Harmful Effects of Energy Drinks on Teens
Energy drinks can have a detrimental effect on adolescent health, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has reported on the research concerned with theeffects of energy drinks on the teenage body.According to recentstudies, caffeine in energy drinks can increase blood pressure and lead to sleep disturbances in children.
Otherstudies have shown that the effects of excessive caffeine intake can be especially toxic. Documented negative effects include the following:
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- Liver damage
- Kidney failure
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Agitation and psychosis
- Heart problems
- Heart failure
- Death
Given the high caffeine content in energy drinks, there is a risk for serious adverse effects — including heart attack and death — among teens who consume them in large quantities or alongside other beverages that contain caffeine.
How Energy Drinks Lead to Substance Abuse in Adolescence
One of thereasons why energy drinks are bad for teensis that they can be linked to substance abuse.Researchhas shown that teens who consume energy drinks are more likely to use alcohol, cigarettes and illegal drugs. Researchers have speculated that teens who seek extreme experiences may be more likely to use both energy drinks and drugs.
In addition, some teens may use energy drinks to hide the effects of drug use. For example, a teen who is drowsy from abusingprescription pillsmay consume an energy drink to become more alert. Over time, hiding signs of drug use with energy drinks can allow drug use to continue and an addiction to develop.
Energy drinks may be particularly problematic when mixed with alcohol. Onestudyfound that when energy drinks are combined with alcohol, people are less likely to experience adverse side effects that typically occur with alcohol use, such as weakness, headache, loss of coordination and dry mouth. Teens who drink energy drinks alongside alcohol may not feel as impaired and will continue to drink more and morealcohol. This can lead to tolerance and addiction.
Drugs Commonly Abused by Energy Drinkers
Drug, alcohol and energy drink use can go hand-in-hand, and there are some substances that teens tend to mix with energy drinks more than others.Onestudyshowed that energy drink consumption was linked to alcohol,tobacco,marijuanaand amphetamine use in teens.
Additional research confirms this finding; specifically, a study conducted through theNational Institute on Drug Abuse(NIDA) shows that cocaine use, prescription stimulant abuse, and alcohol-related problems were more common among students who consumed more energy drinks. NIDA explains that there is some evidence that caffeine causes changes in developingteenage brainsthat make them more vulnerable to addiction.
Help for Teens Addicted to Stimulants
Teens who use energy drinks may be at a greater risk for developing addictions to alcohol or stimulant drugs like cocaine.Teen drug rehabmay be necessary for those who begin to abuse drugs and alcohol. In treatment, teens can learn healthy ways to cope with stress and remain drug-free.
If your teen is addicted to stimulants or other drugs, The Recovery Village has locations around the country and can provide comprehensive services to meet your family’s needs. Reach out to one of our caring admissions specialists today to learn more about our programs and help your teen begin the journey toward a drug-free lifestyle.
