Effect of age at which students began consuming alcohol regularly on current alcohol consumption, both alone and mixed with energy drinks

Introduction and Aims: Previous research has shown that those who begin consuming alcohol at an earlier age are at a higher risk of developing alcohol-related problems later in life. There has also been recent debate as to whether mixing alcohol with energy drinks (AMED) increases the amount of alcohol consumed. Therefore, the aim of the presented research was to examine current alcohol consumption levels, both alone and mixed with energy drinks, between those who began consuming alcohol regularly below and above the legal age limit. Design and Methods: A survey conducted among Dutch students at Utrecht University collected alcohol consumption data, on both alcohol only and AMED occasions, as well as the age at which they began consuming alcohol regularly. Results: Of the 5341 alcohol consumers, 17.4% reported consuming alcohol on a regular basis at an age below the legal limit in the Netherlands at the time (16 years old). These students reported significantly higher current alcohol consumption levels, on both alcohol only (p= 0.05) in the likelihood of consuming AMED between those who consumed alcohol regularly under 16 years old (61.3%) versus those who consumed alcohol regularly aged 16 or older (56.4%). Within-subjects analysis revealed that within both drinking age groups (