Caffeinated alcoholic beverages are the drinks, which contain both alcohol and caffeine. They also contain the ingredients of energy drinks. They can be classified into two categories:
A study done in 2011 across different countries revealed that around 23% - 25% of the study participants reported consuming any CAB in the last 30 days. These statistics are similar to the United States, where the prevalence rate is 24%.
Reasons for increased use:
Mechanism of action:
Alcohol: It is both inhibitory to the nervous system and acts as a sedative. It works by activating the inhibitory neurotransmitters or Gamma-Aminobutyric acid or ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Caffeine: It is both excitatory on the nervous system and acts as a stimulant. It acts by inhibiting the inhibitory neurotransmitters (Adenosine).
Alcohol + Caffeine: Both of them increase the dopamine levels that are associated with reward.
In 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration said that FDA does not find support to the claim that the addition of caffeine to these alcoholic beverages is generally recognized as safe, which is the legal standard. So it instructed the manufactures of CAB to withdraw the drinks from the market.
The dietary guidelines for Americans are also against the mixing of alcoholic beverages with caffeine.
Reasons:
In conclusion, it is considered best to avoid caffeinated alcoholic beverages due to the ill-effects discussed above.
References: