Mixing energy drinks with alcohol could be as bad as cocaine, says research

We’ve all been on a night out where we’ve mixed an energy drink with alcohol to help keep us going.

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Now scientists from Purdue University in Indiana claim mixing the two could be as bad for you as cocaine.

Researchers looked to the effect of high levels of caffeine mixed with alcohol and its effects on mice.

Tests found that repeated exposure to this mix saw them become increasingly active – like those that had been given cocaine, with changes also detected to their brain chemistry.

"It seems the two substances together push them over a limit that causes changes in their behaviour and changes the neurochemistry in their brains,” explains Professor Van Rijn.

"We are clearly seeing effects of the combined drinks that we would not see if drinking one or the other."

Even more worryingly, researchers found the mice that had been exposed to alcohol and caffeine became “somewhat numb” to the effect of cocaine as they grew older.

“Mice that were exposed to highly caffeinated alcoholic drinks later found cocaine wasn’t as pleasurable,” adds Professor Van Rijn. “They may then use more cocaine to get the same effect.”

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