What Are The Dangers Of Caffeine-Laden “Energy Drinks?”
It’s caffeine, a common ingredient in soft drinks, chocolate and, of course, coffee and tea. Adults generally consume it as a pick-me-up during the day. But now that so-called energy drinks are on the market, teens have started to pick up the habit of using – and abusing – the beverages, which contain a lot more of the substance than may be good for them. Everyone knows about the awakening effects of the drug. But do you or your kids know about the potential side effects? Taking too high a dose can lead to anxiety, headaches, sleeplessness and the jitters. And stopping once you’ve gotten used to it can actually cause withdrawal symptoms that can lead to those same headaches, muscle pain, irritability and even temporary depression. As if adolescence weren’t hard enough. But the real danger comes when the drinks are mixed with alcohol at parties. The combination of a stimulant (caffeine) with a depressant (alcohol) can be a recipe for trouble. Despite their liquid form, the energy drinks
