Stimulant-plus-depressant is making a buzz

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A new party trend is causing a huge buzz on college campuses because it’s cheap and works quickly. One can of Four Loko contains about as much alcohol as a six-pack of beers as much caffeine as a tall coffee…that’s 23.5 ounces, 12 percent alcohol and almost 300 milligrams of caffeine. It was developed by three college students and has become increasingly popular on college campuses.

UNC Wilmington student Ashton Brooks said she’s seen friends passed out drunk from Four Loko, and her advice is to…“Stay away from it!”

Aimee Hourigan works at UNC Wilmington to educate students on the negative effects Four Loko has on the heart and body.

She said, “You’re more likely to get into a fight and have other negative consequences related because your body’s just not equipped to handle that much alcohol and stimulant at the same time.”

Despite being banned or highly restricted in Utah, Michigan, California, Montana and Washington State, the drink can still be purchased in North Carolina.

Aisar Shibli, owner of Northside Food Market, said, “Four Loko sells pretty good. It don’t take much to get twisted off of it. It’s not that bad of a price for it. You know, they get a couple of cans in ’em, they good for the night.”

Some worry that the colorful packaging makes the drink appealing to minors, but the makers of Four Loko want to make sure you know there’s alcohol in it. There are seven different warnings on one can.