Separate and Combined Effects of Alcohol and Energy Drinks on the Aggressive Behaviour of Male Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Despite the growing trend of co-consumption of alcohol and energy drinks, limited knowledge exists regarding their separate and combined effects on aggression, particularly in controlled animal models. This study examined the chronic effects of Alcohol and Energy drinks on the aggressive behaviour of male Wistar albino rats. A total of 28 male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups (Control, Energy Drinks, Alcohol, and Alcohol combined with Energy Drinks). Rats were exposed to chronic administration of energy drinks (10 ml/kg) and/or alcohol (0.74 g/kg body weight) daily for 28 consecutive days. Aggressive behaviour was assessed using the validated Resident–Intruder Paradigm. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA. Results revealed no statistically significant effect of Alcohol, Energy Drinks, or their combination on aggressive behaviour, F(3,23)=1.486, p >.05, ƞ² =.162. Descriptive means were: Control (M =.706), Energy Drinks (M =.604), Combined (M =.499), and Alcohol (M =.443). The findings indicate that, under conditions of chronic administration at these specific doses, exposure to alcohol, energy drinks, or their combination did not significantly alter aggressive behaviour relative to the control group baseline.