Red Bull gives wings, hangover
Mary Ann Georgantopoulos
Issue date: 5/10/06 Section: News
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A study published in the April edition of "Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research," a scientific journal on all things alcohol-related, found that people mixing alcohol with excessive caffeine were less likely to feel drunk and therefore continue to drink beyond their limits.
Chet Bowen, Northeastern's alcohol and drug education coordinator, said mixing caffeine with alcohol makes students drink more without feeling it as intensely.
"Alcohol makes your cells drunk, and the cells flow straight into your blood stream, which causes intoxication," Bowen said. "Mixing Red Bull with vodka makes you feel less drunk, but your level of intoxication remains high."
Bowen also said caffeine is an "upper," while alcohol is a "downer."
"Mixing an upper and a downer is always negative. It is never a good idea to mix a stimulant with a depressant," Bowen said. "It's extremely dangerous and it may likely lead someone to the hospital."
Bowen said the risk is much greater with an energy drink than with a normal caffeinated soda.
"Red Bull is designed as a stimulant, soda isn't. Maybe you'll get a sugar high out of it, but energy drinks are true stimulants," Bowen said.
"They give you the impression as you look around to the outside world that you're sober, but in reality you're drunk."
For some, making that connection is something that may have come with experience.
"I don't remember exactly how I felt when I drank the two, since I don't mix them very often, but I do remember feeling drunk for a longer period of time," said Divya Lulla, a freshman business major who has tried the combination.
It's becoming common for students headed for a night on the town to mix their alcohol with Red Bull to gain an extra kick of energy, Lulla said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Morgan
posted 10/19/07 @ 2:03 AM EST
"People drink Jägermeister a lot, mainly because it's so cheap"
Jägermeister is NOT cheap, it is $50 a bottle!
Sean
posted 10/19/07 @ 8:22 AM EST
What a hack article. I don't think this is news to anyone. And what's with all the quotes from these rookies?
Del Arlon
posted 1/28/08 @ 5:42 AM EST
I have to agree and I have great personal experience.
After years of drinking J Bombs and Bull and Vodka I can assure you that combining alcohol and Red Bull affords you a nasty, NASTY hangover. (Continued…)
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