The Dark Side of Energy Drinks: Could You Be Addicted?

Energy drinks are everywhere with the UK market dominated by the likes of Red Bull, Monster Energy, Rockstar and Relentless.

Marketed to the public as a safe and effective way to combat fatigue, easy access and social norms have normalised their use. However, energy drinks are packed with habit-forming substances like caffeine and sugar, which can easily hook you on needing several drinks a day just to function. 

Tim Panagos, Clinical Lead at The Edge Crete looks at why they are so addictive and the health risks they carry.

Did You Know?

• One can of Monster, Prime Energy or Rockstar contains around 160 milligrams of caffeine, about double the caffeine content of a standard cup of coffee and over 4 times as much caffeine as a can of coke!  
• Some, like Celsius Heat or Rockstar Xdurance, contain up to 200 mg of caffeine in a single can!
• A standard can of Monster Energy or Rockstar Punched contains 13-14 teaspoons of sugar! 

Tim comments: “Many people assume energy drinks are completely safe because they’re so easy to buy. But that’s not the case. Energy drinks contain a potent blend of stimulants that can have serious and sometimes dangerous effects on your health. This includes heart problems, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even tremors. Energy drinks can be addictive due to a combination of factors, but it’s mostly related to their high doses of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants”.

The Addictive Nature of Caffeine

Caffeine is the number one reason why energy drinks are so addictive. It is scientifically proven to be habit-forming and can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

If you’re experiencing mood swings, withdrawals, or anxiety and depression from energy drinks, there’s a good chance it’s due to the caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that changes how your brain functions, especially if you drink it every day in large amounts.

When you consume it regularly, your body adjusts to its effects, making you need more to feel the same level of alertness. This is why you feel like you “need” your daily energy drink to function normally. Energy drinks also contain other habit-forming stimulants, like sugar, taurine, and guarana.

These substances amplify the effects of caffeine and can contribute to feelings of euphoria and reward, making you want more. And when you don’t have it, you crave it all day. Sometimes, you’re better off just grabbing another boost of energy than dealing with the negative side effects of not having it. That’s why we call it a vicious cycle.

Energy drinks typically contain a potent combination of stimulants, including:

• High levels of caffeine: Too much caffeine strains your heart, triggering stress responses that increase heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially for those with existing heart issues. It can also disrupt the heart’s rhythm, potentially causing dangerous arrhythmias.
• Sugar: Energy drinks are high in sugar, leading to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Some contain over 100% of your daily sugar intake in a single can. The sugar rush provides a quick boost, but can negatively impact your health, causing mood issues, weight gain, and lethargy.
• Other Stimulants: Many energy drinks also contain other stimulants like taurine, guarana, and ginseng. These substances can interact with caffeine and other ingredients and amplify their effects. For example, one study showed that guarana can increase anxiety levels, while another research suggests that high doses of taurine may contribute to heart problems in some individuals. These additional stimulants can create a dangerous cocktail, and their long-term effects are still being studied.

Nervous System Issues

Energy drinks can seriously disrupt your nervous system, often causing anxiety, insomnia, and headaches that are frustrating, exhausting, and difficult to manage. Some of the side effects these drinks can have on your nervous system include:

• Anxiety and Nervousness: Caffeine increases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, causing restlessness, racing thoughts, and difficulty concentrating. For those with anxiety, energy drinks can worsen symptoms. Quitting energy drinks can lead to quick improvements in how you feel.
• Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances: Caffeine’s stimulating effects hinder your ability to wind down, making it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Even if you manage to sleep, it can reduce sleep quality, causing frequent awakenings and daytime grogginess. This poor sleep often leads to negative mental and physical health. People frequently resort to energy drinks for wakefulness, perpetuating the cycle.
• Headaches and Tremors: When caffeine wears off, your body reacts to the sudden drop. That’s why you may experience withdrawal symptoms like pounding headaches, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating when you don’t have your “fix”.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Excessive energy drink consumption can wreak havoc on the digestive system. The high acidity of these beverages can irritate the stomach lining, leading to discomfort, heartburn, and even acid reflux. Besides, they can cause a range of unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Other Potential Risks

Energy drinks’ immediate effects are your primary concern. However, you must understand that they also pose long-term health risks to your vital organs.

• Liver Damage: Some studies have suggested a link between excessive energy drink consumption and liver damage, although more research is needed to confirm this association.
• Kidney Problems: High caffeine intake can increase urine output and potentially strain the kidneys.
• Seizures and Convulsions: While rare, in some cases, very high doses of caffeine can trigger seizures and convulsions.

Could You Be Addicted To Energy Drinks? Common Signs & Symptoms:

• Cravings and Compulsive Use: Intense cravings and difficulty limiting consumption can occur. Individuals may continue using energy drinks despite negative consequences like health issues or financial strain. A persistent unsuccessful attempt to cut back is a clear sign of a problem.
• Tolerance and Withdrawal: Tolerance occurs as your body adjusts to caffeine. You’ll need more energy drinks to feel the same effect, a sign of addiction. Withdrawal can lead to headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritising energy drink consumption can lead to neglecting work, school, or social obligations. Individuals may find it difficult to fulfil responsibilities due to the effects of energy drink consumption, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
• Social and Relationship Problems: The effects of energy drink consumption, like irritability and mood swings, can strain relationships with family and friends, especially in younger populations. Energy drink consumption is linked to risk behaviors that negatively impact familial relationships.
• Physical Dependence: If you’re experiencing headaches, fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating when you cut back on energy drinks, then your body has likely become dependent on the stimulants in them. We recommend gradually cutting back and replacing your Red Bull or Monster with something healthier like tea or soda water.

Mental Health Implications

Energy drinks can have life-altering effects on your mental health, including anxiety and depression. The high caffeine and sugar can change your brain’s reward pathways, causing mood swings, panic attacks, and emotional instability causing issues such as:

• Anxiety and Depression: Excessive caffeine intake can exacerbate existing anxiety symptoms and may even trigger anxiety disorders in some individuals. The stimulating effects of energy drinks can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation, which is a major contributor to anxiety and depression. In some cases, excessive energy drink consumption may contribute to the development of depression.
• Mood Disorders: The stimulating effects of energy drinks can lead to significant mood swings, including irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. These mood fluctuations can interfere with daily life and strain relationships.
• Psychosis: While rare, in some individuals, very high doses of caffeine can trigger psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. This is more likely to occur in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.

Tim Panagos, Clinical Lead at The Edge Crete comments: “Energy drinks, marketed as quick fixes for fatigue, have become very popular in modern society. However, their intense stimulant effects can lead to dependence and a range of serious health consequences. Recognising cravings and withdrawal symptoms is essential for identifying addiction. If you or someone you know is looking for ways to stop energy drink addiction, seek professional help from healthcare providers, therapists, support groups, or rehab centres Prioritise healthy lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress-management techniques. Remember, overcoming energy drink addiction requires commitment and support, but it is possible”.