Two new research reports examine the relationships between energy drink consumption and risk-taking in college students, as well as “toxic jock identity”, which is characterized by hyper-masculinity and risk-taking behaviors among college-age athletes.

The first set of results identified links between energy drink consumption, risky substance use and sexual risk-taking.

Frequent energy drink consumers (six or more days a month) were about three times as likely to smoke cigarettes, abuse prescription drugs, and become involved in serious physical fights. They reported drinking alcohol, having alcohol-related problems and using marijuana about twice as often as non-consumers. They were also more likely to engage in unsafe sex, not use a seatbelt, and participate in extreme sports.