A report out from researchers at Dalhousie University and the University of Waterloo concludes there is a link between the teenagers consuming (high-caffeine) energy drinks and substance abuse be that cigarettes, marijuana, alcohol, or other drugs. In short, teenagers who regularly consume energy drinks appear to be more likely to abuse other substances. In addition, it appears that there may also be a link between the same energy drinks and poor mental health.

Ironically, it is the short-term benefit of increased physical energy, enhanced mood & mental capacity, and overall alertness that drives teens to consume these drinks. However, the short-term benefits come at the expense of side-effects which may have far reaching consequences. The findings were based on a survey administered to 8,210 high school students who were questioned about their use of energy drinks. Nearly 67% of the respondents had consumed at least one energy drink the past year. Roughly 1 in 5 of the students once or more every month.

Given that the drinks are often marketed to youths, some researchers believe that there should be new limits imposed on the access teens have to these drinks. The trend shows that younger high school students consume more of these drinks than the older ones.

Source:
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/teenagers-energy-drink-habit-linked-to-booze-drug-abuse/1231908