Parenting Teens: Teenagers & Energy Drinks

According to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) the number of people going to U.S. emergency rooms after drinking too many energy drinks has doubled over the course of the past few years. Apparently, these drinks contain excessive amounts of caffeine. I know that your teens are consuming these drinks because I see them purchasing them all the time. Hey, so what if I’m always watching the teenagers? I need to snoop so that I can keep you in the know, right? The report stated that there is a growing body of evidence that shows that these drinks are particularly harmful for children, adolescents and young adults.

There is also risk associated with the popular practice of combining these energy drinks with alcohol. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned us of thirteen deaths during the past four years that may be associated with 5-Hour Energy-a drink which contains 215 mg. of caffeine per two ounce serving.. They have also warned us about five  deaths possibly associated with a drink called Monster Energy which contains 160 mg. of caffeine per each 16 ounce can. Just so that you have something to compare this to-keep in mind that a 6 ounce cup of coffee has about 103 mg. of caffeine.

Please re-read this article, print it out and share the information with your teens. They may not be aware of the potential dangers associated with these drinks. I am told that many of the overdoses have sadly involved kids under the age of 19.