Mixing alcohol and energy drinks is becoming a common occurrence among college students today however, this behavior can oftentimes lead to dangerous health conditions. According to Rosalyn Dischiavo, Director of Wellness and the Women’s Center, the stimulation which is given to your body as a result causes your body to become internally confused as it does not know how to properly process the new substance coming in. This can lead to an increased heart rate and other serious medical complications. The practice also results in severe hangovers the next day due to the lack of water.

Other complications include loss of surroundings and awareness. Your body can also become impaired as to how drunk you really are which could lead to overdosing and eventually severe alcohol poisoning.

Some alternatives to mixing alcohol with energy beverages are to mix it alcohol with colas and sodas and other juices.