Four Loko, Moonshot, Joose, and other caffeine-infused alcohol products (also known as Alcoholic Energy drinks) exploded onto the scene several months ago and quickly became one of the biggest new threats to public safety. Not only does Four Loko contain a combination of 5 standard drinks and the caffeine of approximately six cans of Coke ( a dangerous concoction), it’s also appealing mostly to minors. Anything that’s popularly referred to as “blackout in a can” should raise a few red flags.
So why are kids drinking it? It’s cheap, accessible and comes in several fruity flavors. To top is off, it produces a jittery, unpredictable, out-of-control, “blackout” type of drunk that teens report craving and enjoying. Mixing the stimulant effects of caffeine with the depressant effects of alcohol sends mixed messages to the nervous system, which can cause cardiac related problems, seizures and a host of other unpredictable reactions. The caffeine masks the true effects of the alcohol on the drinker’s system, so they can very quickly reach a high level of intoxication, becoming physically ill, blacking out, and in many cases, acute alcohol poisoning. In addition, multiple high-risk behaviors increase such as: driving under the influence, risky sexual activity, rape, assaults, fights and violent outbursts. Other effects on the body include: dehydration, which can make it difficult to process and rid the body of alcohol; negative effects on coordination and balance; and reduce the ability to regulate body temperature.
Consuming alcoholic energy drinks usually results in getting much more intoxicated than intended (or it is their intention, i.e., seeking the blackout experience) and can lead to serious health consequences, even death. It has been known to cause walking blackouts, hyper-vigilance, anxiety, heart palpitations, psychosis-like episodes, extreme mood swings, alcohol poisoning and other dangerous consequences.
Recently, the FDA, which never approved adding caffeine to alcohol, began reviewing the data to determine whether Four Loko and other drinks like it, are safe. Several states have banned the sales of these alcohol energy drinks, including Pennsylvania. Recently, makers of Four Loko and similar drinks have been ordered to remove the caffeine from the beverage.
Perhaps what’s even scarier is the fact that the removal of these products from retailers’ shelves, temporary bans (makers can re-introduce products once they pass FDA reevaluation for safety), and other recent actions doesn’t solve the bigger problem. Teens and young adults are seeking these extreme and unpredictable drunks and highs and beverage makers are continuing to target younger drinkers. They will continue developing products to appeal to a younger, more vulnerable market.
Visit Four Loko’s Facebook page and you’re hit with this tag – “Hot mess guaranteed, or your money back. Warning: may cause death.” Additionally, try a search on Google with the query “How to make your own Four Loko” and you’ll retrieve over 161,000 results. Talk your teens about the “glamorization” of drinking underage, and the potentially life-threatening dangers that can result even with just one encounter with this substance and others like it.
Read our Four Loko Fact Sheet