Before coming to college, many students are warned of the dangers of leaving drinks unattended. You never know what someone might put in a drink while it is out of sight.

It seems it is not only at a party that something might make it into a drink without the knowledge of the consumer. Even a manufactured drink, like an alcoholic energy drink, such as Joose, might contain something that could harm the person drinking it.

In all cases, students should know what is in their drinks. Regardless of alcohol content, students should know that energy drinks are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and have not been deemed safe by the government agency.

Though the tendency might be to assume that anything on a grocery store shelf is safe, this may not always be the case.

Research shows that when mixed with alcohol, energy drinks become more dangerous than they might be otherwise. These drinks have been linked to increased drinking and an increased likelihood that consumers will abuse prescription drugs.

Students should always think before they drink. They should not assume that any energy drink or dietary supplement, many of which are found in energy drinks, is safe until it is approved by the FDA.

Students should know the risk before choosing to consume.

News editor Kayla Mezzell for the editorial board.