Recent research suggests that teens and young adults who consume energy drinks may be at greater risk of a number of high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex, alcohol and other drug problems, and violence, the New York Times reported May 26.

While some young energy-drink users have become physically ill after consuming the products, experts are also worried about the relationship between use of the high-caffeine products and risk-taking. A March 2008 study in the Journal of American College Health, for example, linked energy-drink use among athletes to a variety of high-risk behaviors.

"It appears the kids who are heavily into drinking energy drinks are more likely to be the ones who are inclined toward taking risks," said study author Kathleen Miller of the University of Buffalo.

The beverage industry contends that most energy drinks contain caffeine levels comparable to a cup of coffee, but experts note that because they are served cold, energy drinks can be consumed more quickly than hot coffee drinks. Mixing energy drinks with alcohol also is a growing concern because the stimulants in energy drinks can mask the intoxicating effects of alcohol and allow drinkers to stay awake longer and consume more alcohol.

"You're every bit as drunk, you're just an awake drunk," said researcher Mary Claire O'Brien of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.