Energy drinks and caffeine

Energy drinks and energy “shots” have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many people consume them with the belief that they will assist in endurance, concentration and stamina.

People might not know that energy drinks, and particularly energy “shots”, can contain high levels of caffeine or ingredients containing caffeine such as guarana plant extract.

It is important to be aware of how many energy drinks or energy ‘shots’ you have consumed, so that you can keep track of your overall caffeine intake.

How much caffeine is safe?

Your body's response to caffeine will depend on a number of factors including your weight and health. Although a safe level has not been determined yet, as a guide:

• Healthy adults of around 70kg weight should aim for no more than 400mg per day (about 4 cups of coffee)
• Pregnant and breast feeding women should have less than 200mg per day (about 2 cups of coffee)
• Children and young people should limit their intake of caffeinated drinks.

Energy drinks are required by law to indicate their caffeine content on the label, however the level can vary.

Food/drink Average caffeine levels
250ml energy drink 77mg1
500ml energy drink 158mg1
375ml of typical cola drink 48.75mg1
250ml instant coffee 60mg1
250ml brewed coffee 80mg1
1 short black/espresso coffee 107mg1
250ml cup of tea 27mg1
60g milk chocolate 10mg1

Alcohol is a depressant drug that slows down the brain and nervous system. Mixing alcohol with any other drug can be risky. Mixing energy drinks with alcohol can place your body under stress.

As you drink more alcohol and become intoxicated, you may lose track of the number of

energy drinks (and caffeine) you consume. This can increase the risk of caffeine toxicity.

For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs 24 hours, 7 days a week, call the National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800 250 015.

It will automatically direct you to the Alcohol and Drug Service in the state or territory you are calling from. 

Other support services

• nuaa.org.au NSW U​sers and AIDS Association (NUAA) is a peak drug user organisation in NSW providing harm reduction information and blood borne virus prevention peer education.
  

  Nepean Youth Drug and Alcohol Service (NYDAS) works within a holistic model of care to address a range of issues for young people (12 -20 years) of age related to their alcohol and other drug use. Call (02) 4734 2129 or (02) 4734 1333.

• Poisons Information Centre is a  24/7 call centre service to NSW and after hours call centre across Australia. Call 13 11 26

• ahmrc.org.au for Aboriginal community controlled health services across NSW. Go to Members/ Members regional map/ Member services or Member websites.

• alcohol.gov.au provides information about related health issues and Australian government policy. 

• druginfo.adf.org.au for facts and resources on alcohol and other drugs and the prevention of related harm.

• druginfo.sl.nsw.gov.au State Library of New South Wales provides up to date information for public libraries in NSW.

• headspace.org.au for mental health and wellbeing support, information and services for young people (12-25 years) and their family and friends.

• kidshelp.com.au is a free, 24 hour counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. Counselling is offered by web, email or call 1800 55 1800.
  

• au.reachout.com ReachOut is an Australian online youth mental health service with a mobile-friendly site and forums where you can access help, information and support.

• shil.nsw.gov.au for free and confidential sexual health support and information.

• smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au Smart Recovery is a voluntary self-help group that assists people in recovering from alcohol, drug use and other addictive behaviours.

• Visit tafensw.edu.au for help with education, career development or personal matters. Students can contact a local TAFE / university counsellor. Follow the links to student services, careers and counselling.

• youthaction.org.au Youth Action is the peak organisation for young people in NSW. Use the search option to access a directory of NSW youth services.

• youthsolutions.com.au for services for young people 12 – 25 years of age and the community including prevention and health promotion, drug and alcohol education, community programs and referral. You can also call (02) 4628 2319. [provides services to young people in Macarthur & Wingecarribee].

When someone uses or misuses substances, it can affect everyone around them. This site offers a variety of resources for friends and families concerned about their loved ones. Support services are available specifically to help people supporting others with substance use or misuse. There are also tips for talking with kids about alcohol and other drugs (part 1 and part 2). ACON provides support specifically for LGBTQ+ families through Pivot Point.

Informational resources are available in 27 languages. This includes videos providing information about where and how to get help for yourself or someone you care about.

General resources include:
Information and support for family and carers

Managing aggression, alcohol and drug use in the home: A guide for those concerned about children 5-12 years

Coping with aggression, alcohol and drug use in the home - A guide for teenagers

A parents' guide to drug slang