Recently, a dozen college students from Central Washington University were hospitalized after reportedly drinking the caffeinated alcoholic beverage Four Loko. The drink mixes high levels of caffeine with high alcohol content (12% alcohol by volume). While the dangerous practice of mixing caffeine with alcohol is certainly not novel, it seems that Four Loko has gained the reputation of being “a blackout in a can,” and “liquid cocaine” (urbandictionary.com). The danger of this product lies in the combination itself – the ingredients in drinks like Four Loko work against each other to confuse the body. Since caffeine is a stimulant it can mask the effects of alcohol, a depressant. This gives the user a sense that they are more alert and sober, when in reality their state of inebriation is much worse – even affecting inhibitions and decision-making. According to a Wake Forest University study published last year, users of drinks like Four Loko are more likely to suffer alcohol-related injuries than those who just drink alcohol. Another danger of the product is how the ingredients work together – both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, which in conjunction can lead to extreme dehydration.
Phusion Project, the manufacturer of Four Loko, insists that their product is safe in moderation, and that drinking it is similar to drinking coffee after a dinner accompanied with wine. However, with incidents of sickness traced back to use of Four Loko on the rise, communities and state officials across the country are beginning to take notice. In the 23.5 oz can, Four Loko has 12.0% alcohol/volume and according to the manufacture, “has roughly the same amount of caffeine as a tall Starbucks coffee.” The FDA is currently researching the dangers associated with mixing caffeine and alcohol in drinks like Four Loko, and several communities, including Chicago, have banned caffeinated alcoholic beverages. As awareness increases and true risk factors are identified, we can likely expect two things – a stricter regulation of the sale of products like Four Loko (or its outright prohibition), and an increase in the drinks’ popularity among young people looking for a quick, cheap buzz.
The key to any substance abuse prevention is awareness; awareness of the risks and dangers of products like Four Loko and awareness of its prevalence in our community. Parents and adults need to be aware of the similarities between drinks such as Four Loko and regular energy drinks so that they are not inadvertently purchasing or allowing them to be used by underage youth. According to the products’ website, Four Loko is available at convenience stores across Brownwood, and with brightly colored labels on cans similar in size to their non-alcoholic energy drink counterparts they are readily available to those looking for a cheap “blackout in a can.” For more information, contact the Prevention Resource Center at www.prc2.org.
The above article was written by guest columnist Kristi Le, ACPS, BA, Prevention Resource Center 2 Coordinator of Abilene Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Inc.
