The prevalence and expectations of concurrent alcohol and energy drink usage in college students

Although consumption of mixed alcohol energy drinks is increasing in popularity, existing research on the topic is limited and there is a need for more widespread studies of the prevalence and the expectations associated with consumption of this class of beverages. As such, anonymous questionnaires were administered to 744 students at four California State University, Long Beach campus locations to measure prevalence and expectations associated with consumption of mixed drinks by college students.;Results demonstrate that a significant number of respondents reported regular consumption of mixed alcohol energy drinks, risky drinking behavior, and expectations that they would be able to consume more alcohol when consuming this combination of beverages. The findings demonstrate the need for increased student education about the risks associated with mixed alcohol and energy drinks, as well as a need for primary care providers to screen and educate high-risk patients about consumption-related health consequences.