Risks of Alcohol–Energy Drink Co-Consumption: Patterns, Correlates and Psychological Outcomes in Youth

Mixing alcohol with energy drinks (AmED) is common among young people and has been linked to risky behaviour, injury and aggression. Less is known about how it relates to other substance use and to mental health. This CME activity is based on a study in The American Journal on Addictions that surveyed 6,156 Spanish adolescents and young adults aged 16–30. Of those who drank alcohol, 31% also mixed it with energy drinks. Compared with people who drank alcohol alone, AmED users were more likely to:

  • be younger and male, and to have started drinking earlier
  • binge drink, use tobacco, e-cigarettes and cannabis, and have problem alcohol, nicotine or cannabis use
  • report emotional distress, suicidal behaviour and some schizotypal traits

The activity helps clinicians see AmED use as a warning sign. Screening for it can help them spot young people at higher risk and step in earlier.

Target Audience

Healthcare Professionals

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the Spanish adolescents and young adults who drink alcohol and energy drinks at the same time.
  • Identify the patterns of other substance use linked to drinking alcohol and energy drinks together.
  • Explain the mental health problems linked to drinking alcohol and energy drinks together in young people.
  • Use these findings to improve screening and early intervention for young people who drink alcohol and energy drinks together.

Activity Disclosure

No commercial support has been accepted related to the development or publication of this activity. This activity underwent peer review in line with the standards of editorial integrity and publication ethics.

Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
Course opens: 
08/10/2026
Course expires: 
08/09/2029
Cost:
$0.00

Article Authors

Roberto Secades-Villa PhD, Clara Iza-Fernández MA, Ángel García-Pérez PhD, Layla Alemán-Moussa MA, Alba González-Roz PhD

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

This activity underwent peer review in line with the standards of editorial integrity and publication ethics. Conflicts of interest have been identified and resolved in accordance with John Wiley and Sons, Inc.’s Policy on Activity Disclosure and Conflict of Interest.

 

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

John Wiley and Sons, Inc. designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. For information on applicability and acceptance of continuing medical education credit for this activity, please consult your professional licensing board.

This activity is designed to be completed within 1 hour. To successfully earn credit, participants must complete the activity during the valid credit period, which is up to three years from initial publication. Additionally, up to 3 attempts and a score of 80% or better is needed to pass the post test and claim CC credit. [ACGME competency/CC category: Medical Knowledge].

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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