Alcoholic Energy Drinks Create a Buzz

ELLEN Li
Staff Writer
Monster. Red Bull. Rockstar. These brand name energy drinks have become increasingly popular among teenagers and young adults, despite the Food and Drug Administration’s warning to consumers about its adverse effects.
But now, with the marketing of caffeinated alcoholic drinks as regular energy drinks, that danger is on the rise. Stories about alcoholic drinks like Four Loko, also known as “blackout in a can,” have been buzzing around in recent news. This fruity malt liquor, sold in states such as California and Washington, is packed with 12 percent alcohol and high levels of caffeine.
That might not be a problem in itself, but the makers are targeting teenagers and young adults. Since they also look like normal cans of soda or energy drinks, students can be misled into believing the drinks are safe.
“The way that these products are advertised is entirely irresponsible and unethical,” said AHS school nurse Anita Man. “The problem is […] they don’t know they’re consuming alcohol and get drunk without noticing.”
The dangers of consuming alcohol or caffeine are widely known, but there have been few studies about combining the two. In addition to the separate effects of each substance, the stimulation of the caffeine may mask the alcohol’s intoxicating effects, which may cause students to drink more or make risky actions.
“Students should be responsible for what happens to them,” said sophomore Ninti King. “[However,] because of the advertising, they cannot always help themselves. It is like when you see something shiny and you want it.”
Man also agrees with King about where the blame lies.
“Teenagers have a mentality that they are invincible,” said Man. “They’re definitely responsible to some extent. They are not totally ignorant or innocent, but because of that mental status, they keep on drinking.”