Of the Myriad Threats to Our Troops, Would Anyone Have Expected Energy Drinks to Be One of Them?
November 11, 2018
It’s no secret that our armed forces have a passion for energy drinks. Take just a cursory look in any military installation and the rampant use of liquid caffeine can be seen anywhere and everywhere.
This sugary substance abuse stems from a need to remain alert and active. Troops in active combat areas have regularly interrupted sleep schedules. Long hours on patrol, sudden action, late nights spent moving and stocking gear are all examples. To keep themselves ready and alert, our servicemembers use energy drinks to keep themselves ready. Use of this “Liquid Crack” could be causing long term damage.
A recent study was conducted on soldiers during a post-deployment period after they returned home from Afghanistan. The study focused on determining links between high energy drink consumption (2 or more per day) and things like fatigue, exhaustion, trouble sleeping, anxiety, PTSD, and alcohol abuse.
The results showed that high rate of energy drink consumption occurred frequently with mental health issues and behavioral disorders.
Do you really need that second can of Monster?
Medical Issues / Disability, Mental Health, News and Press, PTSD