It’s 7:30 in the morning and I wake up feeling like I got hit in the head. I meant to be up by 7, but the extra 30 minutes were needed. I was up late studying for a physics test until maybe two or three in the morning. Time started to blur together once the clock struck 12.
Physics is the main thing on my mind but right behind it is the idea of the energy drink I am going to need today. After rushing to get ready, I run downstairs straight to the fridge and grab what I had been thinking about all night.
The first sip of the caffeinated beverage awakens every bone in my body and I suddenly feel alive. While I know this is harming me, I still walk out the door, energy drink in hand.
While this might seem crazy to some, many young adults and teenagers are right alongside me doing the same thing. A study was done that showed that 41% of teens have drank an energy drink recently with two-thirds of teens having had an energy drink at least once before.
How energy drinks are marketed it has caused mainly teenagers and young adults to be the ones drinking them.
From the bright colored packaging to the fun flavors, most energy drink brands have been consistently marketing toward the younger generation. The way energy drinks are marketed and branded are similar to the way vapes used to be and still are marketed. Most brands are able to hide the harmful drink with their bright fun packaging making it all seem okay to drink.
With most food and drink products they get run by the FDA to make sure they are safe for consumption, but energy drinks are considered dietary supplements, which do not require the FDA to regulate or approve any of the products going into it. This has led to energy drinks having many negative effects, including heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, tooth decay, stroke, mood swings, and headaches.
The negative effects can seem worth it to some when the positive effects are a quick burst of energy, heightened focus, and a positive mood. After things like staying up all night studying, or even having a big game later and needing to be energized for it, energy drinks positives can seem more important.
Energy drinks are harmful but I would consider them worth the risk. As long as you are aware of what you are doing to yourself, then it is definitely worth everything.
As I sip on the energy drink on my way to school I am aware of the problems that I am causing to myself, but it is worth it so I can stay awake for my classes.
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