Caffeine does not mitigate effects of alcohol, researchers reveal

By Staff Writer

Many problem teens in the U.S. mix energy drinks with alcohol because they believe the caffeine will offset the sedating effects of beer or liquor.

Some mainstream marketing campaigns attempt to show that caffeinated alcohol beverages can enhance one's performance and increase energy and attentiveness, which may appeal to some adolescents who wish to conceal their illegal behavior. However, researchers from Boston University have determined that adding caffeine to alcoholic beverages has little to no protective benefit.

The study, which will appear in the February edition of the journal Addiction, measured the effect of the mixed substances on people's driving abilities. The researchers split 129 participants - between the ages of 21 and 30 - into four groups of sample drinkers: caffeinated beer, non-caffeinated beer, caffeinated non-alcoholic beer and non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beer.

About 30 minutes after drinking, the participants were tested on a driving simulator and on a sustained attention-reaction time test. The team found that alcohol significantly hampered the average driving and reaction times, and the addition of caffeine to alcohol made little difference in the results.

Parents who are concerned about their children's consumption of energy drinks or alcohol may consider practicing tough love by implementing stricter rules.