Correlates of Caffeinated Energy Drinks, Substance Use, and Behavior Among Adolescents

Background: Caffeinated energy drinks (CCEDs) are frequently consumed by adolescents aged 10-19, yet the effects of consumption on adolescent behavior are not well understood. Previous research has identified positive associations between CCED use and other substances such as alcohol and marijuana but studies among adolescents are lacking. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis using data collected from the 2019 Alcohol, Drug Addition, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board/Wood County Educational Service Center’s youth survey. Ten public schools in Wood County, Ohio participated (n=6,152). Results: CCED use was common among our sample (43.4% overall). Reported consumption increased with age and was positively associated with alcohol use and cough medicine use. Furthermore, CCED use was associated with three behavioral outcome categories: anger, delinquency, and negative mental health outcomes. Conclusion: Due to the ubiquity of use and associated substance use and behavioral outcomes, CCED use among youth requires more attention.