Alcoholic energy drink raises concern among medical and law enforcement officials

By Staff Writer

Law enforcement officials and doctors in Alabama are spreading the word about an alcoholic energy drink that can send teenagers to the hospital.

According to ABC news affiliate WAAY 31, police want parents to be aware about the effects of Four Loko, a drink that is 12 percent alcohol and contains high levels of caffeine. Medical officials are also raising awareness about the beverage because it is marketed as a caffeine drink and placed in the caffeine aisles at some grocery stores.

A 23-ounce can of Four Loco contains the alcohol equivalent of five beers and the caffeine equivalent of a large coffee.

A doctor told the news provider that kids who drink Four Loco tend to engage in high risk behavior, become dehydrated or worse. A law enforcement official said that in some cases, teenagers have been rushed to the hospital with alcohol poisoning after drinking Four Loco.

According to the news provider, four store owners in the Alabama city have been arrested for selling the drink to underage kids.

CBS News reports that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent letters to nearly 30 manufacturers of alcoholic energy drinks, asking for proof that their products are safe. The agency has yet to make a determination on these beverages.