Any teen, any age, can go into any store and purchase an energy drink. Yes, you may be using them to stay up late to study, or in lieu of coffee. They might be the singular reason you were able to pull that all-nighter that saved you from failing history class. Yet, many teens only think of their short-term effects, the good ones, the long-term effects of energy drinks, and not how energy drinks can affect one’s brain in the long run.Energy drinks are caffeinated beverages that work towards boosting endurance and performance. These soft drinks have very high levels of caffeine. Many teens don’t know what happens if they drink energy drinks every day. Adults should consume no more than 400mg of caffeine daily. Energy drinks vary in caffeine levels, ranging from Red Bull at 80mg to 5-hour Energy at 200mg.However, the issue is, kids normally don’t just drink one. Research shows that 30-50% of adolescents and young adults consume energy drinks. They don’t realize to what extent these sugary tasting drinks can take a toll on the mental health of your teen.The primary ingredient in energy drinks that provides the caffeine fix is called Guarana. This plant contains high levels of caffeine and works to stimulate the nervous system, muscles, and heart. Can energy drinks cause Anxiety? The largest side effect noted with Guarana is anxiety. The journal Depression and Anxiety composed a study to understand the links between energy drink consumption and mental health effects of energy drinks on teens.After surveying over a thousand 20-year-olds, those who drank one or more energy drinks daily reported high rates of anxiety. Many who decide to use an energy drink as a studying boost may already be frantic and anxious. Therefore, by consuming this anxiety-provoking beverage they are doing more harm than good.
Not only can energy drinks increase risk factors for anxiety and depression but these soft drinks can be correlated with teen’s acceptance of drug use and abuse. Key Healthcare offers various teen drug addiction treatments for adolescents struggling with these addictions. Data from 2010-2018 discovered that more than 50% of teens who consumed multiple energy drinks in a day did not disapprove of regular or even heavy soft drug usage, and did not perceive hard drugs as risky behavior. These side effects of energy drinks on teens are very serious and concerning. In this context, it’s also important to consider mental health; knowing 5 ways on how to get over depression can be immensely helpful.
What are the physical effects of energy drinks that can influence mood and behavior?
Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants that affect the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, which in turn can influence mood, behavior, and overall mental health. These physiological responses help explain why some teens experience emotional symptoms after consumption.
Increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure may contribute to sensations of nervousness or jitters.
Rapid spikes and subsequent drops in blood sugar after high‑sugar drinks can lead to irritability, fatigue, and mood fluctuations.
High caffeine levels can interfere with sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Chronic stimulation of the nervous system may increase stress responses, especially in adolescents with developing brains.
Understanding these physical effects can help caregivers recognize why frequent energy drink use may be more than just a “temporary boost” and how it can unintentionally disrupt emotional regulation.
How energy drink consumption can interact with sleep and emotional health
Sleep plays a foundational role in mental and emotional health, and energy drinks frequently disrupt normal sleep patterns in adolescents. Caffeine and other stimulants can increase the time it takes to fall asleep, reduce the amount of deep restorative sleep, and contribute to fragmented rest. When teens do not get adequate sleep, they are more likely to experience difficulties with emotion regulation, increased stress, and mood instability. Research has shown that greater consumption of energy drinks is associated with both shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep satisfaction, which has meaningful associations with emotional problems and behavioral issues in young people.
Insufficient sleep also impairs decision‑making, reduces concentration, and can intensify feelings of anxiety or sadness, creating a cycle in which a teen might consume additional energy drinks to counteract fatigue, further worsening sleep quality. Parents and caregivers can support healthier habits by encouraging consistent sleep routines, limiting caffeinated beverages in the afternoon and evening, and helping teens recognize the connection between rest and emotional well‑being.
What Happens When Teens Start Using Energy Drinks?
Being drinking is a millennial problem nowadays, a large concern is when teens start to discover that energy drinks can be paired with alcohol. Johns Hopkins found that 27% of college students mix energy drinks and alcohol at least once a month. Each element is bad for the mind and body separately but this mix is extremely dangerous and can create heart arrhythmias and long-term mental health effects of energy drinks on teens.
Key Healthcare is an addiction and teen mental health treatment center in los angeles which also provides a Sober Living Program. We also provide evidence-based treatment (such as autism residential treatment for teens) to those struggling with issues such as autism spectrum disorder, addiction, trauma, ADHD, and OCD. We also are well-known rehab center known for our top-notch teen mental health services.
So, What Should You Do?
At the moment it may seem like the only solution is to drink 5 Hour Energy and pull an all-nighter, but there are other ways to gain energy. Try even eating a few squares of dark chocolate, a cup of tea, or taking a 15-minute power nap. All of these will boost your energy without providing the long-term mental health risks that come with energy drinks.
Contact us for help today.
