From jitteriness to anxiety, the short- and long-term effects of energy drink consumption among students reveal a much bigger problem than most realize.
In my last article, Confessions of a post-caffeine addict, I shared my experience with Celsius energy drinks and the detrimental effects they had on my energy and mental health. This time, I want to look beyond my own story to the broader issue of how energy drinks affect teenagers.
Some of the short-term effects I experienced were jitteriness, dizziness, insomnia and mood swings. Although I was able to focus for long periods of time, my overconsumption of energy drinks and lack of sleep made my days a blur, with constant napping during school.
The caffeine and stimulants in energy drinks can cause temporary surges of focus, allowing some people to work more quickly. However, once these effects wear off, you may begin relying on caffeine to feel alert and focused. During my late-night study sessions last school year, I realized that the short-term boost came at the cost of my physical and mental health.
According to Johns Hopkins University, energy drink consumption has been associated with stress, anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes such as aggression and victimization. UCLA Health also found that caffeine can cause effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can be harmful for students whose bodies are still developing.
At first glance, energy drinks may seem like a harmless beverage that can boost energy and improve focus. However, they can also cause significant physical and psychological effects that teenagers should be aware of before opening another can of Celsius.
In my next article, I will discuss the ethical and legal aspects of the marketing of energy drinks toward adolescents.
