New Study Shows Mixing Alcohol With Energy Drinks Is Like Doing Cocaine

Drinking alcohol is one thing but mixing hard liquor with energy drinks is a surefire way to make sure you regret everything. If you noticed you’re feeling a little extra crazy when you do add the two together, however, it’s for good reason.
According to a recent study conducted at Purdue University, where scientists tested the effects on lab mice, it essentially gives off the same effect as doing cocaine. While one group of mice were given caffeinated alcohol, another was given, well, coke.
Head researcher Dr Richard van Rijn said,

“Mice that had been exposed to alcohol and caffeine were somewhat numb to the rewarding effects of cocaine as adults. Mice that were exposed to highly caffeinated alcoholic drinks later found cocaine wasn’t as pleasurable. They may then use more cocaine to get the same effect.”

Dr. Richard continued to explain that the combination of caffeine and alcohol does something to the brain neurologically that doesn’t happen without the other. They also found that rats who took both the mixed drinks and cocaine acted very similarly. He continued,

“It seems the two substances (high energy drinks and alcohol) together push them over a limit that causes changes in their behavior and changes the neurochemistry in their brains. We’re clearly seeing effects of the combined drinks that we would not see if drinking one or the other.”

The fact that lab rats are used for these types of studies at major universities is pretty surprising, however, this research is important in learning how it could also affect humans as these can cause long-lasting negative affects. Dr. can Rijn concluded,

“That’s one reason why it’s so difficult for drug users to quit because of these lasting changes in the brain.”