Mixing Alcohol with Caffeine

While it may seem harmless, there are significant dangers in mixing alcohol and caffeinated beverages like Red Bull, Monster, and Rock Star.

Caffeine masks, but does not reduce, the effects of alcohol.

While alcohol is a depressant and slows down breathing and heart rate, caffeine’s stimulating effects can make someone feel energized, so in spite of an increasing BAC and intoxication, a person may feel less drunk than they really are. This could cause the person to continue drinking to dangerously high levels.

High levels of caffeine can boost heart rate and blood pressure.

Increased heart rate and higher blood pressure can cause heart palpitations - the feeling that the heart is "fluttering" or skipping or adding an extra beat. Combining alcohol and caffeine further increases the risk of heart problems by sending mixed messages to the central nervous system.

Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics and lead to dehydration.

Dehydration is a significant factor in the cause of hangovers. Combining the two diuretics increases the severity of a hangover.

Combining alcohol and caffeine increases the risk of injury.

A recent study found that compared to students who drink only alcohol, students who combine alcohol and caffeine are more likely to be injured, need medical attention, take advantage of another sexually or be taken advantage of sexually, or accept a ride from a drunk driver.