Alcohol and energy drinks are a favorite combination for young revelers throughout the world. A study from Australia has found that the unique flavor may not be the only reason for vodka Red Bulls to be flying off the shelves. It seems that the combination of the two beverages has the interesting effect of causing individuals to have an increased urge to drink more, Medical Daily reports.

A total of 75 volunteers, 46 women and 29 men, aged 18 to 30 years old, were asked to drink an alcohol-only or alcohol and energy drink combination. Overall, it was found that those who drank the alcohol energy drink combination had a stronger desire to keep drinking than those who solely drank alcohol, according to the press release.

Dr. Rebecca McKetin, lead author on the study, explained to Medical Daily the reason for this increased appetite for alcohol may be partly due to energy drinks' effects on alcohol intoxication.

Dr. Peter Miller, associate professor of psychology at Deakin University, and Nic Droste, a current Ph.D. student, toldMedical Daily that recent studies suggest the caffeine in energy drinks may stimulate the chemical adenosine,, “which is linked to the pleasure people derive from drinking alcohol.” This would also explain the effect of increased alcohol use.  The researchers also added that the “palpability” and sugar content may also add to a person’s desire to drink more.

According to Miller and Droste, “like alcohol, energy drinks are safe for consumption when they are used in moderation.” As suggested by the findings of this study, energy drinks may increase the risk of binge-drinking in young adults, but McKetin believes that “our research alone does not provide sufficient evidence to regulate the sale of energy drinks.”

In actuality, energy drinks can only go so far with increasing an individual’s alcohol consumption. Every individual has free will and the ability to control his or her drinking in real-life situations.

However, if energy drinks do in fact increase the effects of alcohol and urge one to drink more, then the researchers say this should be accurately advertised.