The impact of independent and combined alcohol and energy drink consumption on risk-taking behaviour

Introduction and Aims: Ingestion of alcohol mixed with energy drinks is thought to reduce the consumer’s perception of intoxication, resulting in increased alcohol consumption and risk-taking behaviour compared to alcohol only consumption. However, studies undertaken so far comparing risk-taking behaviour in alcohol mixed with energy drinks and alcohol sessions have yielded equivocal fi ndings. Thus, the current study was designed to investigate the impact of independent and combined alcohol and energy drink ingestion on risk-taking using objective, laboratory-based measures. Design and Method: Using a single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 24 participants completed four sessions in which they received: 0.5 g/kg alcohol, 3.57 ml/kg Red Bull energy drink (ED), alcohol mixed with ED and placebo. The adjusted average number of pumps on the Balloon Analogue Risk-Task [1] was used as an objective risk-taking behaviour measure, with a greater number of pumps indicative of greater risk-taking. Results: Preliminary analyses revealed that the adjusted average number of pumps did not differ signifi cantly for active and placebo alcohol conditions. However, a trend towards a signifi cant ED main effect (P = 0.060; Hedges’ g = 0.31) showed that the adjusted average number of pumps may have increased during active ED conditions relative to ED placebo conditions. Furthermore, a non-signifi cant Alcohol × ED interaction showed that EDs’ effect on risk-taking behaviour was consistent regardless of the alcohol’s presence or absence. Discussion and Conclusion: The results obtained thus far indicated a trend for an increased average number of pumps refl ecting increased risk-taking following ED ingestion. Interestingly, this trend was not modifi ed by co-consumption of alcohol.