In May 2019 researchers from the USA published their study to assess the association between consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks and individuals experiencing and/or carrying out aggression in bars and licensed establishments. A total of 175 young adults (78 males, 96 females) who frequently attended bars and licensed establishments, consumed alcohol mixed with energy drinks on a regular basis and had experienced at least one recent bar conflict incident completed an online survey. Results showed that although consumption of non-caffeinated alcohol was more common than alcohol mixed with energy drinks, aggression in bars and licensed premises was more frequently reported following the consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks. Additionally, experiencing and/or carrying out aggression in bar environments were both more common when alcohol mixed with energy drinks were consumed than non-caffeinated alcohol drinks. The researchers therefore concluded that the consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks increased the risk of experiencing and/or carrying out aggression in bars and licensed establishments.
Quigley BM et al. Alcohol Mixed Energy Drink Use as a Risk Factor for Experiencing and Perpetrating Bar Aggression. Psychol Addict Behav. 2019 May;33(3):304-309.