COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Alcoholic energy drinks have been in the news a lot lately. Some states have already banned the beverages. South Carolina lawmakers are currently working to do the same.
Products like Four Loko and Joose attract young drinkers, and mix high amounts of caffeine and alcohol. How much of both? USC assistant clinical professor Dr. Raj Vakani says one can of Four Loko equals about three cups of coffee and four 12-ounce beers.
"It's a common misconception, especially among college students that a stimulant like caffeine would counteract alcohol. They think they can drink as much as they want," says Dr. Vakani.
According to Dr. Vakani, along with prompting riskier behaviors, these drinks can also wreak havoc on the body.
"We've seen ER patients after consuming these energy drinks because arrhythmias of the heart," says Dr. Vakani.
Even with this knowledge, a lot of young adults still drink alcoholic energy drinks. A quick walk on the USC campus, and I found several students who say they drink these drinks, even though they're aware of the health concerns.
Doctor Vakani applauds state lawmakers for working on a bill that would ban alcoholic energy drinks. He says until then, drinkers need to understand what exactly they're consuming, to make the right choice.
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