Mixing alcohol with energy drinks can create a misleading sense of alertness. Caffeine may make someone feel less affected by alcohol, even though their impairment remains. This is the central message of an alcohol awareness resource published by Marine Corps Community Services in the United States.

The material draws attention to the risks associated with combining alcohol and caffeine, particularly when people underestimate how much alcohol they have consumed. It offers an opportunity to discuss a common misconception in alcohol prevention: feeling more awake does not mean being less intoxicated.

(1) Dangers of mixing alcohol with caffeine and energy drinks | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/caffeine-and-alcohol.htm.
(2) Why to Avoid Mixing Energy Drinks & Alcohol – Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/energy-drinks-and-alcohol-a-bad-combination/.
(3) The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol With Energy Drinks – Ria Health. https://riahealth.com/blog/the-dangers-of-mixing-alcohol-with-energy-drinks/.
(4) Energy drinks mixed with alcohol: what are the risks? – PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25293549/.
(5) Dangers of Mixing Energy Drinks With Alcohol – Behavioral Health Centers. https://behavioralhealth-centers.com/blog/mixing-alcohol-and-energy-drinks/.

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