Citation

Thombs DL, O'Mara RJ, Tsukamoto M, Rossheim ME, Weiler RM, Merves ML, Goldberger BA. Addict. Behav. 2010; 35(4): 325-330.

Affiliation

Department of Behavioral Science and Community Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0175, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.addbeh.2009.11.004

PMID

19954894

Abstract

AIM: To assess event-level associations between energy drink consumption, alcohol intoxication, and intention to drive a motor vehicle in patrons exiting bars at night. METHOD: Alcohol field study. Data collected in a U.S. college bar district from 802 randomly selected and self-selected patrons. Anonymous interview and survey data were obtained as well as breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) readings. RESULTS: Results from logistic regression models revealed that patrons who had consumed alcohol mixed with energy drinks were at a 3-fold increased risk of leaving a bar highly intoxicated (BrAC>/=0.08g/210L), as well as a 4-fold increased risk of intending to drive upon leaving the bar district, compared to other drinking patrons who did not consume alcoholic beverages mixed with energy drinks. DISCUSSION: These event-level associations provide additional evidence that energy drink consumption by young adults at bars is a marker for elevated involvement in nighttime risk-taking behavior. Further field research is needed to develop sound regulatory policy on alcohol/energy drink sales practices of on-premise establishments.

Language: en