Facts & Life Hacks

5 Unexpected side effects of mixing alcohol with energy drinks

Mixing alcohol with energy drinks might seem like a fun way to stay awake and party longer, but it can actually be risky for your health. While energy drinks make you feel more awake, alcohol does the opposite—it slows your body down. When you combine them, your body gets mixed signals, which can lead to some serious side effects. Here’s what you need to know:

1. You Might Drink Too Much Without Realizing It

Energy drinks can hide how drunk you actually feel. This might make you drink more than your body can handle, increasing your chances of getting alcohol poisoning or making poor choices.

2. It Can Be Hard on Your Heart

Caffeine speeds up your heart, but alcohol slows it down. When these two effects clash, it can cause irregular heartbeats or other heart problems—especially if you already have heart issues.

3. You Might Make Bad Decisions

Even if you feel more awake, alcohol still affects your judgment. You may think you’re okay to drive or do something risky, but your reflexes and thinking are still slowed down by the alcohol.

4. It Can Dehydrate You Fast

Alcohol and energy drinks both dry out your body. Together, they can leave you very dehydrated, which might make you feel weak, dizzy, or really sick the next day.

5. It Messes with Your Sleep

Caffeine from energy drinks can keep you wired long after the party is over. Even when the alcohol wears off, you might struggle to fall asleep or rest properly, which affects your mood and health over time.

Conclusion

If you’re going out, it’s safer to skip mixing energy drinks with alcohol. The combo might give you a short burst of energy, but it comes with real risks to your body and mind. Stay safe, stay smart.