Cocktails have always been popular during parties, occasions or even weekend get-togethers. Mixing alcohol with aerated drinks or fruit juices has always attracted plenty of attention from merrymakers and party animals seeking an extra buzz. Moreover, it is common to see bars, pubs and clubs promoting new cocktails for every single event or occasion. Recently, a new combination of mixing spirits and liqueurs with energy drinks is receiving a lot of attention for its unpredicted and deadly attack on unwary students.

But, experts say energy drinks with alcohol make a wild and dangerous combination of a depressant and a stimulant as the negative side effects of both the energy drink as well as alcohol are bound to combine and hit the drinker at the same time. Such a dangerous combination tends to lure the drinker into a false sense of sobriety causing him or her to ever drink more to achieve the ideal buzz. In reality, the warm, fuzzy sensation that accompanies each mouthful of indulgence only helps to create a momentary feeling of invincibility, causing people to attempt brazen acts of buffoonery that could end in something dangerous.

Unfortunately, this kind of drinking can swiftly take a turn for the worst, leading to alcohol poisoning. Both energy drinks and alcohol are diuretics, causing dehydration, which could result in a terrible hangover. Moreover, such a combination is also known to make drinking more addictive.

“Wide awake drunk,” is the new term coined by experts for individuals in a dramatic intoxicated state after consuming such a combination of drinks. Basically, this suggests that the individual will have the same level of blood alcohol content (BAC), as they would have without drinking the energy drink. However, the cocktail of a stimulant and a depressant creates a sobering effect. In fact, studies show that those who mix alcohol with energy drinks are four times more likely to drive a vehicle than those who have not had such a mix.

While mixing alcohol and energy drinks is certainly not recommended, if someone decides to drink them together, here are some tips to minimize the risk of short- and long-term harms:

• Tracking the quantity of drinks consumed: People usually tend to drink more than they can, especially when they combine alcohol and energy drinks. It is advisable not to exceed more than one drink over the course of a night. Moreover, keeping a careful track of the number of units consumed goes a long way in avoiding trouble.

• Keeping a check on friends and other drinkers: Individuals are more likely to indulge in taking huge risks after drinking such cocktails. So, as a precautionary measure it is a good practice to keep an eye on others who are drinking as well.

• Avoiding such drinks on an empty stomach: A full stomach helps to slow down the alcohol-absorption rate of the body so that the effects don’t hit one’s head in a short span of time. Starchy food such as pasta or potatoes are the best to eat before or during an evening of drinking such cocktails.

• Monitoring caffeine and sugar intake: Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine and sugar, which can damage one’s health, including weight and mood. Trying not to exceed the daily allowance is an effective way to avoid drinks containing both.

• Avoiding combination of the two drinks before sleeping: Insomnia is the outcome of consuming excessive alcohol and energy drinks. The best way is to avoid a mixture of both the drinks before retiring at night to stay away from such problems.

Ways to say ‘no’ to the next drink

Alcoholism is one of the most serious health risks in the United States today. It usually starts with drinking small amounts, which over time triggers the urge to indulge in binge drinking, eventually resulting in addiction. More and more Americans are finding themselves trapped in the highly seductive glitz of alcohol. Creating public awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol is one of the most effective ways to combat the growing rates of addiction to this socially accepted drug.

Just as in the case of any other drug, alcohol endangers the body, brain and nervous system of the consumer. At such a juncture, the only solution is to nip the problem in the bud – silencing the urge to drink by reversing alcohol dependency. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than 86 percent of people aged 18 or older reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime, while about 70 percent reported that they drank in the past year.

It is no secret that being trapped in addiction makes one feel miserable. The misery feeds on itself preventing any possible breakthrough. Though, there are some who might have made attempts to quit, a few days of sobriety followed by recurring relapses made them unsuccessful. It takes a huge leap of faith to embrace sobriety, something which people addicted to alcohol are very hesitant to take. Use the following tips to avoid drinking:

• Learning to recognize alcohol craving triggers: Places, schedules, lifestyle or particular occasions, which trigger an urge to drink, must be avoided at any cost.
• Doing some soul searching: Assessing vulnerability is essential to break free. A traumatic past ridden with low self-worth raises the odds of alcoholism and needs to be fixed to prevent relapse.
• Refraining from booze buddies: Peer pressure might lead someone astray, and they could easily start drinking again.
• Discovering new pastimes: An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. Therefore, idleness must be substituted by new constructive hobbies.
• Building a support system: Advice from a network of non-judging friends, counselors, or even colleagues can help to douse the cravings.
• Staying up-to-date with the latest: A plethora of information on the causes, symptoms, mental and physical-health hazards, treatment and recovery is available online.
• Seeking professional detox treatment: Finally, however great the urge to drink may be, inpatient treatment in a specialized recovery center will make a huge difference.

Seeking help

Alcoholism is an illness which affects everyone alike, without any sort of discrimination at all. Life for an individual affected by alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a constant search for the next drink. Sovereign Health understands the plight of someone who is unable to discontinue the use of alcohol despite the negative impact on his or her life.

Our customized alcohol addiction treatment programs are tailored to individual needs in order to treat the person holistically. Sovereign Health of California’s alcohol addiction rehab centers can help reverse the damaging effects of alcohol by addressing the underlying causes of alcoholism in individuals grappling with such an addiction.

If you or your loved one is battling addiction to alcohol, get in touch with Sovereign Health to gain access to the latest and innovative alcohol rehab programs at our state-of-the-art alcohol addiction treatment centers in California. You may also call our 24/7 helpline or chat online to know about the most effective treatment for alcoholism.