An alcoholic energy drink with the equivalent of six beers and as much caffeine in five cups of coffee, or three shots of espresso, this "liquid cocaine" is nothing but bad news. Sold for $2.50 in liquor stores, it may seem like the fiscally responsible drink of choice, seeing as a case of beer can put a $20 pit in your wallet and with hard liquor an even bigger one. However, the twenty three ounce can (most beers come in eight ounce cans) contains not only caffeine and alcohol, but also wormwood, a key ingredient used in absinthe, an illegal liquor in the United States. The issue with Four Loko is that the components of an energy drink and alcohol do not mix well. The caffeine allows you to feel energized, but then alcohol, which is classified as a depressant, causes the consumer to crash. It also does not hit them right away, so they aren't aware of how drunk they are really getting, so they keep drinking. It’s understandable why this product is so popular: it’s cheap, the cans it comes in are huge, they come in several different flavors, and the caffeine in it keeps you awake and energized. Now all of that is good and well, but the drink is 12% alcohol, whereas most beers are only 4 or 5% alcohol. Many college students have been hospitalized after consuming Four Loko, which is why college campuses nationwide and the government are working on banning this product. It is just too dangerous for college kids and high school students who are just trying to fit in, not truly noticing the severity and consequences that come in a twenty three ounce can. Looking at the facts, the idea of Four Loko is just, well…loco.
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