Mind. Sound. Body
Welcome back to MIND. SOUND. BODY. Along with mental health topics, I would like to provide awareness on addiction prevention throughout the year. Seeing as how large doses of caffeine are becoming more common due to the popularity of energy drinks and caffeinated alcohol drinks, it’s only fitting to share facts regarding this subject.
Two Types of Caffeinated Alcohol Drinks
- Pre-mixed by the manufacturer
- Hand-mixed by the drinker or server
Risk
When drinking a caffeinated alcohol drink, the caffeine makes you believe that you are not as drunk as you really are. The caffeine will keep you awake, providing the opportunity to drink longer. This will increase your risk of getting hurt, overdosing on the alcohol or doing something that you would not normally do.
Side Effects
Dehydration
Vomiting
Hangover
High heart rate and heart palpitations
Alcohol poisoning
If you choose to drink: avoid hand-mixed caffeinated alcohol drinks, drink pre-mixed caffeinated alcohol drinks with extreme caution, drink water between alcohol drinks, and have something to eat while you’re drinking.
For more facts about caffeine and alcohol, please visit www.ccsa.ca and carbc.uvic.ca
Kim Kendell, Youth Outreach Worker
