Alcohol mixed with energy drinks and aggressive behaviors in adolescents and young adults: A systematic review

• Published in: Clinical psychology review Vol. 104; p. 102319
• Main Authors: Speroni, Jared, Fanniff, Amanda M., Edgemon, Jennifer M., Martini, Valeria, Haas, Amie L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2023
• Subjects: Aggression; Alcohol mixed with energy drinks; AmED; College students; Sexual aggression and victimization; Systematic review; Alcohol mixed with energy drinks; Systematic review; College students; AmED; Aggression; Sexual aggression and victimization
• ISSN: 0272-7358; 1873-7811
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102319

Consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) is a high-risk drinking practice. This systematic review examines how AmED use contributes to aggression (physical and sexual), in what role(s) (perpetrator and/or victim), in adolescents and young adult drinkers (age 25 and younger). Computer assisted search identified 844 studies conducted prior to March 2023; of them 17 met inclusion criteria. AmED use was significantly associated with aggressive behaviors. Between-subject studies suggests that AmED consumers have higher rates of perpetration (physical fights, bullying) and victimization compared to peers who only drink alcohol; however, within-subject studies of AmED users find no difference in physical aggression by drinking event (AmED vs. occasions where consumer drinks alcohol only). Similarly, AmED use was a risk factor for sexually aggressive behaviors (e.g., unwanted contact) and victimization. AmED use is a significant risk factor both victimization and perpetration of violent acts. Differences in within- versus between-study findings suggests that risk is associated with use of AmED, and not event level differences in drinking occasions among AmED users. Findings highlight the relative paucity of studies examining victimization and sexual violence and the need for future studies to incorporate more diverse samples and methodologies to better understand patterns of AmED use, perpetration, and victimization. •Alcohol-energy drink (AmED) users are at increased risk for perpetration compared to drinkers who consume alcohol only (AO).•Within-subject studies of AmED users show no differences in physical aggression for events with AmED compared to alcohol only.•Aggression while consuming AmED may be an interaction between pharmacological effects and dispositional traits of AmED users.•AmED related sexual aggression and victimization is significantly less studied.