Mixing Energy Drinks With Booze May Affect Adolescent Brains Like Cocaine
Vodka Red Bull, Jägerbombs and numerous strange brews in colourful bottles are standard fare for many people on a night out. But now it appears that mixing alcohol and caffeine-containing energy drinks may cause changes in the adolescent brain similar to taking cocaine, according to research published in the U.S.
The study
Adolescent mice were given this mixture, and scientists found that they became less sensitive to the pleasurable effects of cocaine. At first glance, this may sound positive. But it means that the mouse has to use more cocaine in order to get the same feeling as a control mouse. Study author Richard van Rijn said, "Their brains have been changed in such a way that they are more likely to abuse natural or pleasurable substances as adults."
Researchers detected increased levels of a specific protein, indicating long-term changes in the brain. Elevated levels of this protein also occur in those abusing drugs such as cocaine and morphine. Van Rijn commented, "That’s one reason why it’s so difficult for drug users to quit because of these lasting changes in the brain."
Relevance to humansÂ
These alcohol studies can’t use human adolescents for legal and ethical reasons. This might lead some to question whether the results from mice transfer accurately to humans.
But one important reason for using mice as models for addiction research is because we share the same reward pathway. Both mice and humans find cocaine pleasurable because it releases the ‘reward chemical’ known as dopamine. Studies on cocaine’s effect on mice help to explain human drug-seeking behaviour.
A warning on combining drugs
This research shows that drugs in combination can be much more dangerous than drugs used by themselves.
When cocaine is combined with alcohol, it creates a third chemical called cocaethylene, which has been associated with seizures, liver damage and a massive increase in risk of immediate death.
Understanding the ways in which different drugs change the brain is crucial if we are to minimize the risks involved.