Effects of mixing alcohol with energy drink on total alcohol consumption: a cross-cultural comparison

Introduction and Aims: It has been suggested that mixing alcohol with energy drink (AmED) increases overall alcohol consumption. These results were based on between-groups analyses typically with relatively small samples sizes, comparing AmED consumers with people who consume alcohol only. The aims of the current surveys included the use of within-subjects analyses to determine whether AmED consumers consume more alcohol on AmED occasions when compared to alcohol only occasions. Design and Methods: An overview is presented of results from the Australian and UK replication of the Dutch Student Survey on mixing alcohol with energy drink and other non-alcoholic beverages. More than 10,000 students participated in the surveys, allowing for a cross-cultural comparison. Results: Data from the individual and pooled studies revealed that AmED consumers do not consume more alcohol on AmED occasions when compared to alcohol only occasions. No relevant differences were observed on total alcohol consumption when mixing alcohol with energy drink (or other non-alcoholic beverages). Although cross-cultural differences were found regarding demographics, results from The Netherlands, Australia and UK were consistent in that mixing alcohol with energy drink has no relevant effect on total alcohol consumption. Additionally there were no relevant differences between energy drink and other non-alcoholic beverages. Discussion and Conclusions: The results of these well-powered and cross-cultural surveys suggest that mixing alcohol with energy drink has no effect on total alcohol consumption. No relevant differences were observed between mixing alcohol with energy drink or other non-alcoholic beverages such as cola or tonic