Research into consumption habits, commissioned by FARE and undertaken by Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, will be presented at a major alcohol and drug conference this month.
The research, conducted by Turning Point’s, Amy Pennay, found that the consumption of alcohol and energy drinks in Australia is now the norm, with young people consuming between three and five alcohol and energy drinks a night, and some drinking as many as 10, which well above recommended limits .
Pennay said: “The research highlights the harms that result from mixing alcohol and energy drinks including increased heart-rate, increased likelihood of vomiting, sleeplessness and a worse hangover.
“Alcohol and energy drinks are also routinely used by young people to stay out longer than they normally would be able to, resulting in them ignoring their bodies messages that it’s time to call it a night.
The report found that energy drinks were marketed cleverly and were highly associated with fun and energy. They were also well promoted and heavily discounted at some venues. There was an absence of public messages about the negative consequences of energy drink use.”
Michael Thorn, chief executive of FARE, said authorities throughout the world were grappling with problems caused by growth in the consumption of energy drinks. In America last year the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) moved to ban premixed alcohol and energy drinks, in Norway the drinks can only be sold through pharmacies, while in Canada they have to have a label stating they should not be consumed with alcohol.
“We are just starting to come to terms with the potential problems with such drinks and in light of the overseas experience we strongly believe governments need to take action,” Thorn said.
Thorn said FARE was calling for:
Source: FARE
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