Examining and Understanding the Joint Role of Caffeine and Alcohol in Facilitating Violent Offending and Victimization

Abstract

The study draws attention to the importance of considering and controlling for caffeine and the interactive effects between caffeine and alcohol when investigating aggressive and violent behavior. Various pathways between caffeine and alcohol consumption and aggression and violence are examined. Given recent changes in preferences and availability of caffeine and energy drinks among licit and illicit substance users, this study argues for the importance of focusing research attention on the role of caffeine, particularly when combined with alcohol, in facilitating violent outcomes. Evidence suggests that both caffeine and alcohol are linked to aggression and violence and that both substances should be considered within the context of our efforts to manage the negative consequences of drugs. Caffeine, via energy drink consumption, may contribute to violent offending and victimization in a variety of ways. Evidence suggests that caffeine/energy drink consumption is popular among a subculture of toxic jock users, may motivate and facilitate increased alcohol consumption particularly in late night-time economies, and can potentially contribute to disrupted decision-making. Recent increases in caffeinated-product availability, marketing, and consumption necessitate focused research and policy attention. Many of these products are consumed with alcohol and/or in late evening settings by individuals that are already at increased risk for violent offending and victimization.

Energy Drink Use and Its Relationship to Masculinity, Jock Identity, and Fraternity Membership Among Men

“…Much of the research demonstrating the adverse nature of fraternity membership was conducted in the 1980s (e.g., Martin & Hummer, 1989) or the 1990s (e.g., Cashin et al, 1998) and it is quite possible that times have changed and many contemporary fraternities may be aware of the problems and are making attempts to become more ethical and more responsible; hence, fraternity membership did not strengthen the association between masculinity and energy drink consumption. On the other hand, nonmembers have the usual linear positive relationship between the IEDC and the CMNI Violence subscale, which is congruent with prior research showing a link between energy drink consumption and violence (Kuhns et al, 2010).…”

“…Thus, individuals do not feel as drunk as they really are and so they are more likely to engage in dangerous activities such as operating a motor vehicle. Finally, excessive caffeine consumption via energy drinks is linked with a greater likelihood of engaging in aggression and violence (Kuhns, Clodfelter, & Bersot, 2010). One reason for this is that energy drinks, especially when combined with alcohol, facilitate longer involvement in late nighttime situations in which individuals have more opportunities to engage in problematic behaviors such as fighting.…”

A Behavior Sequence Analysis of Perceptions of Alcohol-Related Violence Surrounding Drinking Establishments

“…This supports research that shows predrinking is an increasing concern, especially among university students (Caudwell & Hagger, 2015;Caudwell et al, 2016). To tackle the combined effects of predrinking and venue drinking, the potentially irresponsible sale of alcohol could be discouraged by prohibiting the purchase of multiple alcoholic drinks in one transaction, or reducing the length of "happy hours," while also limiting the sale of discounted and caffeinated-alcoholic drinks, which have been linked to increased violence (Kuhns, Clodfelter, & Bersot, 2010).…”

Correlates of verbal and physical aggression among patrons of licensed venues in Australia

“…The consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks has been associated with harmful behaviours [19], including drink-driving [20], heavy drinking, involvement in sexual assault and being hurt or injured [21]. Consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks is also associated with aggressive behaviour [22], and to increased likelihood of involvement in bar room aggression after controlling for demographic, venue, personality factors and substance use behaviours [23]. Similarly, in studies of two Australian [27] and nine European cities [28], NEP patron use of illicit drugs has been associated with past involvement in an aggressive incident.…”