Alcohol and High-Energy Drinks Don't Mix

After a college freshman ended up in hospital, Washington has become the fourth state in America to restrict the sale of Four Loko - a canned drink with high levels of alcohol and caffeine.

Experts say that the combination can be deadly. The high caffeine levels can make drinkers feel less intoxicated than they really are, often leading to excessive drinking.

Some students mix high-energy drinks with hard liquor, creating their own concoctions; others buy pre-packaged products.The Independent reported on the contents of one of these, Four Loko:
One can has about the same caffeine as a six-pack of Diet Coke. Four Loko's drinks contain 12% alcohol and are packaged in 23.5-ounce cans - that is reportedly equivalent to drinking almost an entire bottle of wine.

Sure, alcohol and caffeine isn't a brand new combination, rum and coke has always been popular. But excessive levels of caffeine and alcohol can lead to tragedy. New York are considering banning these drinks after a girl died.

If you enjoy drinks with mixers:

Avoid high-caffeine mixers, like Jolt and MonsterIf you're dieting, remember that liquids contain calories too. Alcohol contains seven calories per gram, and energy drinks tend to be packed with sugar (around four calories per gram).Keep an eye on your alcohol intake. Some mixed drinks taste deceptively un-alcoholic.

Image Credit: jameskm03

Health Alcohol Caffeine 9 Comments Ann on 17 Nov 2010

This is kind of ridiculous. One of these drinks alone won't hurt you, the problem is binge drinking kids. Are they planning to ban red bull and vodka? How about Irish coffee?

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