The Quad

Issue date: 10/8/07 Section: Features

There have always been bad combinations in life, such as electricity and water and drinking and driving. Now one can add alcohol and energy drinks to that list.

Recently, the "Reno Gazette Journal" did some studies on not only the physical harms, but the marketing harms of these drinks to consumers, who are mostly young people.

The most popular alcohol/ energy drink mixes tend to be Red Bull and vodka and Jagerbombs, which is a shot of Jagermeister inside of a glass of Red Bull.

"During the weekend, our most popular request is a Red Bull and vodka," local bartender Johnny Cartwright said. "The youths don't know the harm in them, but what can I do? I've already suggested putting up some kind of warning sign, but the owners don't want to lose the business. The drinks are expensive."

Even the big names of the alcohol business are getting involved. Miller Brewing Company and Anheuser-Busch have created energy drinks that already come equipped with alcohol.

Miller's Sparks and Anheuser-Busch's Tilt and Extra have hit the market with the majority of their advertising geared toward younger people.

Take Bud Extra's slogan for example: "You can sleep when you're 30." These drinks are also packaged in a way that makes it hard to distinguish them from non-alcoholic energy drinks.

The physical dangers of drinking these beverages are immense. Alcohol is a depressant, while the energy drinks, packed with tons of caffeine, taurine and ginseng, are stimulants.

These combinations can be very dangerous. Jolyn Wirshing, a dietitian from the University of Nevada School of Medicine, voices these concerns.

"Once you start mixing a stimulant with a depressant, the combination of those effects can be very dangerous for some people," Wirshing said. "There have been reports of people experiencing cardiovascular failure after consuming energy drinks plus alcohol, especially when doing intense physical activity."

Many students here at West Chester University commonly drink energy drinks spiked with alcohol.

"I love Red Bull and vodka," fifth-year student Nolan Dymszo said. "I stopped drinking Jager in high school so I don't drink Jagerbombs at all. But the Red-Vodkas keep me alert and full of energy for the entire night."

"I can get down with Red Bull and vodkas, but I don't drink too many in one night," fourth-year student Dave Johnson said. "I don't want to go overboard."

Continued...

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