Table of Contents
Updated and Fact-Checked July 2024 By: Mike Carter, LCDC
Update list:
- Revamp the article
- Added data/statistics
- Updated effects based on new research
- Updated approach based on Clearfork Academy’s Experience
Energy drinks are promoted as a way to boost energy, decrease fatigue & improve focus. Teens often consume these as a way to stay up late working on school projects, increase performance in sports, or sometimes mix with alcohol during parties.
These are sold in most stores and there are no age restrictions for buying them, so many people consider them harmless. But they carry a high physical risk for teens due to the rates of caffeine.
There is also evidence showing that teens who consume energy drinks have an increased risk of developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Teen Energy Drinks Use by the Numbers
Studies show about 30% of teens consume energy drinks between the grades of 8-12. Medical professionals warn against teens consuming these as they contain extremely high amounts of caffeine (500 milligrams per can).
These levels can be toxic, one study found that there were over 5,000 overdoses from caffeine per year and half of those were people under the age of 19.
Why Are Energy Drinks Bad for Teens?
Plenty of research has emerged on the physical effects of energy drinks on teens. Energy drinks can increase the risks of heart attacks in youth, cause respiratory problems and even seizures.
Some cases have shown energy drinks causing changes in heart rhythm among teens with perfectly healthy hearts. These risks are especially heightened if the teen is involved in sports or high-intensity exercise.
There is also a link between energy drinks and increased mental health problems in teens—worsening feelings of anxiety, depression and stress.
Teens who consume energy drinks frequently can also have problems focusing and staying alert as the caffeine wears off. Caffeine withdrawal can cause them to seek relief in other kinds of stimulants such as amphetamines. If you suspect that your teen is combining these to improve their energy, it is important to seek help.
Signs of Caffeine Overdose
High rates of caffeine, especially when paired with stimulants or alcohol can lead to overdose. Some signs your teen is having effects from too much caffeine can include:
- Trouble breathing
- Aggressiveness, confusion or hallucinations
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Increased thirst and urination
- Muscle twitching
- Nausea, vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Trouble sleeping
Link Between Energy Drinks and Substance Abuse
Teens who consume energy drinks are more likely to seek high-adrenaline or extreme experiences such as drugs or alcohol. This rate increases even more for teens who have underlying mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or a behavioral disorder such as ADHD.
Teens who consumed energy drinks were 2x more likely to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or use drugs. While soda and coffee consumption was also linked to substance abuse, association was much higher for energy drinks.
Teens who consume higher rates of energy drinks are often less educated, or come from a home where there is little parental involvement. It is important for parents to stay mindful of what their teen is consuming. An occasional energy drink may be fine, but if you notice your teen is drinking them daily it is a good idea to intervene.
Mixing Energy Drinks and Alcohol
Mixing energy drinks and alcohol is common among teenagers who want to increase sensations of caffeine and alcohol. This is a large problem among youth, with studies showing 10% of teens have consumed alcohol mixed with energy drinks.
Many teens mix these two because they think it can help them drink more or for longer, as a way to “keep them going”. There is even a common drink now called a “Jager Bomb” that mixes Red Bull with the liquor Jagermeister. This can be extra dangerous causing damage to the heart, liver, kidneys and brain.
Teens who mix energy drinks with alcohol are at a higher risk of experiencing negative side effects such as heart attack, seizures or slowed breathing. It also increases the rate of alcohol-related injuries such as physical violence or drinking while driving.
Seek Professional Help
If you identify warning signs of a caffeine problem, addiction to energy drinks or substance abuse in your teen, it’s important to reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment.
At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of the connection between energy drinks and substance abuse in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
Terry-McElrath, Y. M., OʼMalley, P. M., & Johnston, L. D. (2014). Energy drinks, soft drinks, and substance use among United States secondary school students. Journal of addiction medicine, 8(1), 6–13.
Seifert, Sara. 2011. Health Effects of Energy Drinks on Children, Adolescents and Young Adults. American Academy of Pediatrics.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
