Arria AM, et al. – This study gauged the highly caffeinated energy drinks' (EDs) consumption patterns in relation to other substance use, among adolescents and young adults. It was illustrated that the typical pattern of ED consumption was sustained use throughout young adulthood. Such individuals were at high risk for adverse substance use outcomes. A possible specificity with regard to cocaine use and nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NPS) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) risk was indicated. The comprehension of mechanisms underlying the connection between ED and substance use necessitated advanced research.

Methods

• Analysis was performed of ED and other substance use, annually (modal ages 21-25).
• The recruitment consisted of individuals (n = 1099) who were originally enrolled as first-year college students (modal age 18).
• Trajectory groups were derived based on probability of past-year use during ages 21-24.
• A comparion was then conducted for possible variations in substance use outcomes at age 25, holding constant demographics, sensation-seeking, other caffeine consumption, and age 21 substance use.

Results

• A decline was noted in the ED consumption in both annual prevalence [62.5%wt to 49.1%wt (wt = weighted)] and frequency of use among consumers (35.2-26.3 days/year), from age 21-25.
• However, those displaying a Persistent trajectory (51.4%) of consumption outnumbered those with Non-Use (20.6%), Intermediate (17.4%), or Desisting (10.6%) trajectories.
• Age 25 cocaine use, nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NPS), and alcohol use disorder (AUD) risk exhibited a prominent link with trajectory group membership, with Persistent and Intermediate groups exhibiting the highest risk for such outcomes, even accounting for prior substance use and other risk factors.
• The marijuana and tobacco use were were not related with group membership.