Vermont's Middlebury College has announce the facility will no longer sell energy drinks on campus, beginning March 7, but the reason given for the decision has some people doing a double take, according to the Huffington Post.
Middlebury College in Vermont has banned the sale of energy drinks on campus for supposedly contributing to "problematic behavior", such as alcohol abuse and "high-risk" sexual activity.
"I learned in my psychology class that energy drinks are linked to high risk sex and drug use", student Jenna McNicholas said of the decision. The college has also linked the drinks with an increased risk of students using other "intoxicating" substances and driving drunk.
When asked if a survey should be conducted among the student body, according to the minutes of the council meeting where the banning of the sale of the drinks came into effect, council member Emma Bliska said: "I'm not sure a survey is necessary".
Director of dining hall services, Dan Detora told NBC News: "I see it as the equivalent of banning cigarettes".
As pointed out by Detora, beverages such as Red Bull have been associated with a higher susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, panic attacks, liver damage, heart palpitations, seizures, sleep disturbances and mental disorders (anxiety, in particular). The ban has been approved by the college's Community Council.
Energy drinks contain pharmaceutical-grade caffeine and additional caffeine from natural sources that may explain why the kids' hearts race and their blood pressure levels climb.
While past studies failed to find a cause and effect relationship between energy drinks and risky behavior, previous research did find a cohort of health risk directly tied to the beverages.
Scientific studies in the past have noted a correlation between energy drinks and binge consumption of alcohol.
As specified in a flier that everyone who visits Wilson Cafe can instantly spot, reliance on overly caffeinated drinks can make students more prone to having all-nighters before important exams, by aiding sleeplessness and overexertion. The warning prompted companies to remove caffeine from the drinks, which were becoming increasingly popular with college students.
A cup of coffee typically has about 100 mg per 8 ounces, though that number can range depending on the coffee variety.
At least one student says he won't go near the drinks after a bad experience. Guayaki Brand Yerba Mate, regarded as a healthier alternative to the previously identified energy drinks, will remain available for purchase, The Middlebury Campus reported.
More news: 'Mockingbird' author Harper Lee buried in Alabama hometown