The Caffeine Cascade: Energy Drink Addiction and Its Critical Implications for Cardiovascular and Neurological Health

Abstract The exponential growth in energy drink consumption globally presents a concerning public health challenge, particularly as evidence emerges linking these beverages to serious adverse health outcomes. This commentary examines the neurobiological basis of energy drink addiction, the prevalence of consumption patterns meeting criteria for substance use disorders, and the subsequent critical care implications. Recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews highlight concerning associations between habitual energy drink consumption and cardiovascular dysregulation, neurological complications, metabolic disturbances, and acute toxicity requiring intensive care intervention. This paper synthesizes current evidence on addiction mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies, while identifying knowledge gaps requiring further investigation. Healthcare providers in critical care settings must recognize energy drink–related presentations and develop evidence-based protocols to address this evolving public health concern.