… Read the restADHD experts have known for many years that children who drink a lot of caffeine can become impulsive, distractible, and appear hyperactive- three core symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Now, research is being focused on what happens to a child, teen’s, or adult’s behavior when they consume excessive amounts of caffeine loaded energy drinks.
A study published in the November 12, 2010 online issue of the Journal; Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research links consumption of highly caffeinated energy drinks to increased risk for alcohol use and dependence and conduct-behavior disorders. The researchers could not decide whether to attribute these risks to caffeine intoxication or high caloric sugar loading, both known to mimic ADHD.
Unfortunately, more and more children and teens are using high sugar-high caffeine energy drinks to “hype-up” for tests and exams and remain awake for long hours to complete school projects and study. Others have used energy drinks to remain “wide-awake” and “sober-drunk” while drinking large amounts of alcohol.
It seems that energy drinks can allow a teen to drink more alcohol over a longer length of time without sedation and the appearance of being drunk. What do you think happens when the caffeine-sugar high goes away? They