Energy drinks pose a danger

As a certified substance abuse prevention specialist, I am very concerned about the number of youth and adults who are using various energy drinks to maintain a level of energy that is not only false energy, but very unsafe. The newest research with college students indicates that those who consume energy drinks six or more days a month are three times as likely as non-consumers to smoke cigarettes, abuse prescription drugs and twice as likely to have alcohol related problems and to use marijuana.

While many of us are working to reduce substance abuse among our youth, these seemingly innocuous beverages are not so subtly leading young minds and bodies down a path that may lead to long term dependence on these beverages, as well alcohol and other drugs.

Many of us are uninformed about the levels of caffeine in energy drinks and other beverages. The most widely sold 16-ounce energy drink on the market contains 160 mg of caffeine compared to 107.5 mg in an 8-ounce cup of coffee or 34.5 mg in a classic cola drink. Arizona Caution 16-ounce contains 200 mg of caffeine. Caffeine is also found in many citrus beverages and some root beers.

Many adults and teens are drinking four or more of these energy drinks a day while also consuming coffee and caffeinated soft drinks, water and bottled teas. The impact of caffeine on the heart, digestive system and especially on the brain, can cause temporary and, in some cases, life long physical problems and learning difficulties.

Please remind those you love that energy drinks can pose these health risks. Encourage them to read the labels and limit their use.

Pauline Martel

Douglas County Prevention Coordinator

ADAPT Director of Prevention and Training

Roseburg