Health and Safety Warning: Four Loko
Four Loko, a caffeinated alcoholic beverage, is gaining in popularity among underage drinkers and collegians in many parts of the country. Blamed for serious health and safety issues, the drink has already been banned at two universities and is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please remember that underage drinking of any alcoholic product is illegal and prohibited at UMKC, and we strongly urge everyone in our University community not to drink caffeinated alcoholic beverages.
In addition to large amounts of sugar (that mask the taste of alcohol) and caffeine (to energize the consumer), one can of Four Loko is 12% alcohol, which is equivalent of approximately 5 standard drinks. It comes in a variety of fruit flavors sold in 23.5 ounce cans that resemble non-alcoholic energy drinks.
While alcohol is a depressant and slows down respiration and heart rate, caffeine is a stimulant and can mask the effects of the alcohol consumed, making it more likely that a person will drink even more or attempt to do things–like drive–because he or she does not feel drunk.
Four Loko has caused people to experience walking blackouts, hyper-vigilance, anxiety, heart palpitations, psychosis-like episodes, extreme mood swings, alcohol poisoning and other dangerous consequences including heart attack.
If you need assistance, please contact the UMKC Counseling Center at 816-235-1635 or see their website for more information.
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