The Center for Science in the Public Interest reports that according to researchers at Wake Forest University, 28 percent of college drinkers try the combination of alcohol and caffeine together every month. Caffeine is a primary ingredient in energy drinks such as Red Bull, and when people combine alcohol with energy drinks, they are four times more likely to want to drive home, according to National Public Radio. There is a misconception that caffeine can overcome the effects of alcohol and will make a drunk person feel physically alert and awake. While that myth has be scientifically proven false, caffeine and alcohol do have certain effects on the body.
Dehydration and Seizures
According to Truman State University , the combined effect of alcohol and caffeine can cause serious dehydration. Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, which means that they cause water loss from the body. When taken together, this can lead to severe dehydration, which can result in having a worse hangover.
Truman State University also reports that the combined effect of both alcohol and caffeine can result in seizures. This is because caffeine reduces the threshold time to cause a seizure, while alcohol on its own can cause seizures.
Mental Effects
According to the American Psychological Association, the combined effect of caffeine and alcohol can cause people who are impaired to feel like they can still function. It states that alcohol can inhibit the stimulatory effects of caffeine, leaving the person in a relaxed state, but less able to make wise decisions. The report also states that caffeine is unable to change the negative effect that alcohol has on learning.
Increased Heart Rate
The studies also showed that caffeine and alcohol, when taken together, will be harmful and increase the heart rate. The results showed that the stimulating effects of caffeine will not counter the lethargic and drowsy effects of alcohol. These findings are according to Marina Kushner, founder of the Caffeine Awareness Alliance. The presence of both substances affects the absorption and metabolism functions of the body, leading to higher levels of caffeine in the blood stream and longer lasting effects of caffeine on the central nervous system.
References
- Truman State University: Trendy combination leads to heart strain, dehydration
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Caffeinated Cocktails
- american Psychological Association: Caffeine Doesn't Reverse the Negative Cognitive Impact of Alcohol, Study Shows
- National Public Radio: Caffeine And Alcohol Just Make A Wide-Awake Drunk
- The Quinipiac Chronicle: Studies show that combining caffeine and alcohol can have harmful effects
