An interesting research study published in the current issue of the Journal of Addiction Medicine finds that energy drink/energy shot use by youth in 8th- 12th grades is associated with past 30-day use of illicit substances including alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and amphetamines.  While there was no causal relationship is confirmed, excessive energy drink/shot use by your pre-teen/adolescent may be a red flag that encourages parents to look further.  To quote the American Academy of Pediatrics:  “...the caffeine and other stimulant substances contained in energy drinks have no place in the diet of children and adolescents.”  This article seems to support that notion.  Read the entire article at this link: http://journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/Fulltext/2014/01000/Energy_Drinks,_Soft_Drinks,_and_Substance_Use.2.aspx