As the New Year is coming near there are many youngster and adults who want to celebrate with loads of fun, and many of the times during parties and all.

The Australian Medical Association(AMA) has warned people against taking up the dangerous habit of mixing alcohol and highly caffeinated energy drinks in an effort to extend their 'party time'. AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said that mixing alcohol and energy drinks has become popular among young people and adults because they want to celebrate for longer periods of time.

"New Year's Eve will be a time of risky behaviour because people will start partying early and will want to be still celebrating into the night to see the New Year in," Dr Hambleton said.

"This is not a safe or healthy way to behave."

"It can lead people to consume excessive amounts of alcohol and excessive amounts of caffeine, both of which can be harmful on their own, but potentially lethal when consumed together."

"The combination reduces the perception of intoxication and allows people to drink for longer periods of time."

"It is a trend that has become popular among crowds at music festivals and many people will try it this holiday period."

"The holiday season is a busy time for emergency departments, which don't need further casualties lining up due to misadventures from mixing alcohol and energy drinks."

The potential for harm falls into three main categories:

  • The combination of alcohol and highly caffeinated energy drinks can increase the risk of dehydration (leading to diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, headache, increased heart rate, muscle cramp, and a more severe hangover). Warm weather and extended periods of dancing or being in crowds may also contribute to problems; 
  • The combination of stimulant (caffeine) and depressant (alcohol) sends mixed messages to the nervous system, which can result in cardiovascular problems as well as sleep disturbances; 
  • The combination of alcohol and energy drinks reduces the feelings/perception of alcohol intoxication, leading to increased alcohol consumption and significantly impaired judgement and decision-making.


Dr Hambleton said that public health advocates remain very concerned that the marketing of energy drinks to young people is similar to the marketing strategies used to sell tobacco and alcohol.

"The AMA will continue to raise these concerns with governments and relevant agencies in 2013," Dr Hambleton said.

- Source Australian Medical Association