[john_strinlai]

there seems to be 3 different issues in this article:

- mixing alcohol and energy drinks (health-wise, e.g. arrhythmia)

- mixing alcohol and energy drinks (psychologically, e.g. increased risky behavior)

- age restriction on energy drinks to prevent kids from drinking them

i am not positive how i feel on the first two. i could be convinced that the third is reasonable for some age group, though i think it would be silly to ban it for all under-21s.

[harimau777]

My understanding is that part of the problem with mixing caffine with alcohol is that it can prevent someone from passing out; which is the body's defense mechanism against alcohol poisoning.

From that perspective I think that an argument could be made that restricting caffinated alcohol is regulating substances with known health risks.

Full disclosure: I like vodka Redbulls. So I'm not saying this like I'm someone who is moral panicking.

[TylerE]

No, the bodies defense against alcohol is vomiting. "Passing out" increases risk, namely that you vomit while asleep, and then choke on the vomit.

[doctorpangloss]

Four Lokos were indeed banned in Massachusetts.

[willy_k]

Four Loko had to take the caffeine out across the US years ago. Now it’s just 8 standard drinks in a tall boy for $4 - still very much a problem but no caffeine.

[kube-system]

The original caffeinated Four Loko formula was discontinued everywhere 16 years ago.

[randysalami]

Vodka Red Bull always seemed crazy to me. Caffeine lasts like 6 hours so I drink one at 2 am, what the hell am I doing! Granted people do cocaine so maybe it’s inconsequential.

Drinking some coffee at 6 and 10 though before a night out, good move. Where I am, the nights can go to 4 or 6 easily.

[tomjakubowski]

There is actually quite a lot of variation from person to person in caffeine elimination half-life, from about 1.5-9 hours. Some of my extended family could drink a cup of coffee right before bed without issue.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/

[anonzzzies]

Coffee makes me sleepy, for instance.

[xnx]

Espresso martini is the popular caffeine and alcohol combo now.

[randysalami]

Good callout! More popular with the ladies too

[jpalawaga]

if you're up til 6, your next day is already shot. who cares about caffeine at 2am at that point.

[rpmisms]

Crown and Red Bull (tastes better) is my order if I want to drink and dance.

[ge96]

long live 4 loco