4 Troubled Teens Blog

A new study from the University of Buffalo found that teens who consume "energy drinks" are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse, unprotected sex, and violence.

Lead author Kathleen Miller, writing in the Journal of American College Health, emphasizes that her study does not prove that the drinks cause the behaviors.

About one-third of young people ages 12 to 24 regularly consume energy drinks, which often contain twice the caffeine found in a strong cup of coffee.

Labels: risky_behaviors, substance_abuse, caffeine

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Their names say it all: "Full Throttle," "Amp," and "Redline." Energy drinks are all the rage among teenagers and young adults. There has long been a concern about the health risks associated with these high caffeine drinks, but now there is another concern - risky behavior.

"In March, The Journal of American College Health published a report on the link between energy drinks, athletics, and risky behavior. The study's author, Kathleen Miller... says it suggests that high consumption of energy drinks is associated with 'toxic jock' behavior, a constellation of risky and aggressive behaviors including unprotected sex, substance abuse, and violence."

The findings don't mean that the drinks cause bad behavior, but rather that regular consumption may be an indicator for parents and teachers of children who are more inclined toward taking risks. Source: International Herald Tribune

Labels: risky_behaviors, nutrition, caffeine

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