Energy Drinks

This is an article written by Dr. Crabb for RU. 



Energy Drinks

by

Dr. George T. Crabb

The number of emergency room (ER) visits associated with nonalcoholic energy drinks is surging. In 2005 there were 1,128 such visits and in 2009 there were 13,114, with the highest number occurring in 2008 at 16,055 ER visits.

In 44% of ER visits involving energy drinks, the drinks were taken together with other substances, such as alcohol, pain killers, sedatives, and illicit drugs. This combination of energy drinks and other substances of abuse was greatest in young adults 18 to 25 years of age (52%). The vast majority (77%) of these were made by people 18 to 39 years of age, and 64% were made by males.

Energy drinks used in excess or in combination with alcohol or drugs can pose a serious health risk. Adverse reactions that can occur with the ingesting of energy drinks include but are not limited to the following:
Arrhythmias - abnormal beating of the heart
Hypertension - high blood pressure
Dehydration - decreased fluid in the body
The above can lead to significant bodily damage (stroke, heart attack) and even death. Combining energy drinks with substances of abuse raises the risk for serious, even life threatening, injury and for the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence.

I define energy drinks as flavored beverages containing high amounts of stimulants such as caffeine. The drinks are marketed to youth and are consumed by up to 50% of children, adolescents, and young adults.

My friends, quick-fix energy drinks are not a solution and carry great risks, especially in combination with other substances of abuse. Instead of turning to energy drinks to help us through the day why don't we take proper care of ourselves (appropriate diet, exercise and rest) and look to the Lord Jesus Christ to give us the grace to accomplish our daily tasks. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (II Timothy 1:7.)