Fall Curriculum Infusion EDHE 105

Transcription

1 Fall 2011 Curriculum Infusion EDHE 105 1

2 Curriculum Infusion - Alcohol Instructor s Cheat Sheet So, what does Curriculum Infusion mean exactly? Curriculum Infusion (CI) is a program used by many campuses to affect the behavior of groups of students regarding alcohol consumption. The Network for Dissemination of Curriculum Infusion (NDCI) defines CI as the process of integrating information about alcohol and other drugs (AOD) abuse prevention into the curriculum of regularly offered courses (White, 2010). IMPORTANCE An important benefit of CI is its focus on instructors and faculty, a valuable asset to the University of Mississippi community, but often an underutilized resource in campus alcohol misuse prevention efforts (White, 2010). Here is why incorporating instructors and faculty in alcohol prevention is beneficial: 1. As a classroom based strategy, CI can reach a broader range of students than voluntary educational programs. 2. CI has the potential to reach more students than alcohol educational efforts delivered in health, wellness, or other special topic classes. 3. Classroom prevention efforts may be especially useful for commuter students or those that live off campus, as the Ole Miss students that live off campus are also at risk. 4. Instructor and faculty involvement in prevention also offers stability to prevention efforts. IMPLEMENTATION METHODS 1. Discussion 2. Assignments 3. Lectures 4. Readings 5. Audiovisuals 6. Interactive Activities (not necessarily all discussion) ex: case studies, games, daily factoid, etc. 7. Demonstration 8. Other ex: guest speaker QUESTIONS? For more information about curriculum infusion and/or alcohol use, please contact one of the following: Tiffany Bouldin (x5570), Graduate Assistant UM Coordinator for the Mississippi Coalition of Partners in Prevention Erin Murphy (x5055), Health Educator 2

3 Definitions Blood Alcohol Content or Concentration (BAC)- the concentration of alcohol in a person s blood. BAC is most commonly used as the metric of intoxication for legal and medical purposes. It is expressed as volume of alcohol per volume of blood in the body. Legal BAC for those under the age of 21 is < 0.02 (that s the equivalent to one drink or less for an individual) and 0.08 for those over the age of 21. Standard Drink- any drink that contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. Listed below are the U.S. standard drink equivalents. Beer 12 oz. (one standard can or bottle) 80 proof liquor (gin, vodka, whisky, etc) 1.5 oz. (one standard shot) Wine 5 oz. (that s small amount compared to the size of your standard wine glass) Malt liquor (Mike s Hard Lemonade, Kahlua, etc) 8.5 oz. Alcohol Poisoning- Alcohol poisoning is a serious and sometimes deadly consequence of consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Drinking too much too quickly can affect your breathing, heart rate, gag reflex, and potentially lead to coma and death. Signs of Alcohol Poisoning: 1. Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or a person cannot be roused 2. Vomiting 3. Seizures 4. Slow or irregular breathing 5. Hypothermia 6. Blue lips, clammy skin ALWAYS CALL 911. (UPD ) Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse- Use of alcoholic beverages and/or drugs to excess, either on individual occasions ("binge drinking") or as a regular practice Alcohol and/or Drug Dependence- an addictive disorder characterized by compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol and/or drugs, despite its negative effects on the person's health, relationships, and social standing. Like other addictions, alcohol and/or drug dependence is medically defined as a treatable disease. Zero Tolerance- If an individual, under the age of 21, is driving with a BAC at or above 0.02; the individual will receive a DUI under Mississippi state law. Harm Reduction and Primary Prevention- At Ole Miss, both harm reduction and primary prevention approaches are used when addressing alcohol and other drug issues. Harm reduction is a public health philosophy that seeks to lessen the dangers around alcohol use and risk of harm. Primary prevention works to prevent alcohol and other drug use and abuse. For information regarding specific efforts on campus and in the community to address alcohol use and related, negative consequences using these overarching philosophies, please contact Office of Health Promotion at (662)

4 Statistics National Level ( 2007, for first four items) 1,700 college students between the ages of die each year from alcohol related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes. About 25% of college students report academic consequences of their drinking including missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall. 2.1 million students between the ages of drove under the influence of alcohol in % of college students met criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and 6% for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence in past 12 months. College students who were high-risk drinkers (5 drinks on 1 occasion) on a frequent basis (3 or more occasions per week) experienced half of all negative consequences reported by all drinkers (Presley & Pimentel, 2006) Statistics Ole Miss Specific AlcoholEdu data (sample of fall 2010 incoming freshmen) Ole Miss first year students are most commonly drinking at an off-campus residence (29.06%). The second most common place is a bar or nightclub (25.17%) yes, even those underage! The most common drinking-related risk behaviors that Ole Miss first year students engage in are pre-gaming and doing shots. Drinking rates differ for first year men and women. Women are drinking in a high-risk way less frequently than men. Why first year students drink: (Top 5 most common answers) o To have a good time with my friends o To celebrate o Because I like the taste o To get drunk o Be outgoing in social situations Why first year students don t drink: (When you choose not to drink alcohol, how important are the following reasons? Top 5 most common answers.) o I m going to drive o I don t have to drink to have a good time o I don t want to spend the money o I have other things to do o I don t want to lose control 4

5 National College Health Assessment data (sample from all students at Ole Miss, including graduate students, spring 2011) Roughly 1/3 or (34.3%) of UM students under the age of 21 either don t drink or haven t in the past month More than 1/3 (40%) of UM students that reported consuming alcohol in the last two weeks also reported binge drinking at least once in those two weeks. 59% of Ole Miss students under 21 do not binge drink. 84% of Ole Miss students under 21 do not drink and drive CORE data (95% of sample classified as freshmen, spring 2011) Perceived student alcohol use at Ole Miss is 3 times a week, while actual use is only reported as once a week. UM students report themselves as having 2.55 drinks per occasion. However, the perception is that friends consume 3.97 drinks and the campus student population consumes 5.09 drinks per occasion. Misperceptions of Use College students have the misperception that their fellow students drink much more than they actually do. Research bears this out (Baer & Carney, 1993; Baer, Stacy & Larimer, 1991; Perkins, 2003). Borsari & Carey conclude that: In the university drinking environment, students tend to overestimate the amount that their friends drink. Students tend to perceive that their friend's attitudes toward alcohol are more permissive than they really are. Individuals also appear to generalize inappropriately about their peers' drinking behaviors on the basis of observing a few peers engaging in heavy drinking episodes. The perceived alcohol norms of one's social group can influence individual group members' drinking decisions. One consequence of such norm overestimation is that individuals are less likely to question their own drinking if they think those around them are drinking more or have more permissive attitudes. Another consequence is that when a person overestimates a certain behavior, the likelihood that he or she will engage in that behavior also increases. Without exposure to the more normative levels of alcohol consumption of other groups, people may be unable to evaluate their own levels of drinking objectively. Resource: NC State University Health Promotion: 5

6 Negative Consequences of Risky Student Drinking Physical Consequences Hangover Black out/memory loss Nausea/vomiting Getting hurt or injured Social Consequences Arguments and fights Waking or disturbing roommate (or being disturbed by another s behavior) Embarrassment by own behavior while drunk Damaging property Generally getting in trouble with the police or University authorities Academic Consequences Missing a class or work Performing poorly on a test or assignment Getting behind Sexual Consequences Harassing or assaulting others while drunk Being sexually harassed or assaulted while drunk Drunk Driving Riding with a driver who has been drinking Driving after drinking Arrested for DUI Protective Behaviors Positive Behavioral Intentions Many students choose not to drink, or do drink without taking additional risks. A few protective behaviors or intentions we should be encouraging students to employ include: Set limits (knowing how much you want to consume before the drinking begins and stick to the limit), plan ahead, set goals Avoid drinking games Monitor BAC (or keep track of how much is actually being consumed versus time) Pace drinks, keep track, count and measure Alternate alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks (the key here is water and remaining hydrated, while allowing time between drinks and therefore reducing the total amount consumed) Reduce frequency of drinking Reduce number of drinks Include food Have a friend let you know when you have had enough Stay with the same group of friends the entire time drinking Use a designated driver Know your no. In the event you are offered a drink when you do not want one, have a polite and convincing no, thanks ready. 6

7 Alcohol and the Body Affected Area Central Nervous System Liver Circulatory System Fluid Balance Sensation and Perception Motor Performance Attention and Memory Emotions Sexuality Sleep Results Depressed Coma, death Ulcers, erosion of lining Pancreatic irritations Change in fat metabolism eventually scarring the liver Increase heart beat Increase blood pressure Blood vessels dilate causing heat loss Water shifts in body to give feeling of thirst Diuretic effect increases urine output Reduced sensitivity of taste and odor Tunnel vision Limits ability to distinguish light intensity Sensitivity to colors, especially red, decreases Most all performances types are impaired Increases swaying Coordination for tracing moving objects impaired Inhibits absorption of information Affects accuracy and consistency of a task Memory loss occurs with high doses (blackout) Difficulties recalling information Decreases inhabitation and frees people up in tight social situations Large doses frustrate sexual performance Impotency occurs, sometimes reversible with return of sobriety. Several drinks decrease REM, or dreaming sleep, resulting in impaired concentration and memory, increased anxiety, tiredness and irritability. 7

8 DUI Questions That Amuse Us (but are worth addressing) If I have too much to drink, I can drink a lot of coffee to sober up quickly, Right? Ha. Drinking a lot of coffee after drinking too much alcohol may increase your discomfort through the need to use the bathroom while being transported to the jail on DUI charges. Only time reverses impairment. Will eating breath mints after drinking throw off a police breath test? Eating mints will not affect your BAC level since it isn t the smell of your breath, but the alcohol content, that s measured. Using breath mints, however, may earn you points with the arresting officer if you normally have bad breath. Well, at least eating breath mints might fool the officer, right? Ha. Sure, police are really fooled when they see a combination of erratic driving behavior and powerfully minty breath. Yep, that one fools them every time. I ve heard preparing yourself by eating certain foods before an evening of heavy drinking will help keep you sober, is that true? How much you have eaten, and how recently, may have a small effect on how quickly or slowly the alcohol you consume will enter your bloodstream-but won t stop the alcohol from entering. Will splashing cold water on my face or taking a cold shower help sober me up? Splash away! And by all means, take a cold shower. It may make you cleaner, but it won t sober you up or make you a safe driver. The deputies at the jail, however, prefer clean drunks and recommend showering prior to doing anything that will lead to your arrest. Will running around the block a few times sober me up enough to drive home? Exercise won t sober you up any faster, but feel free to run around the block as many time as you like. The deputies at the jail ask us to remind you to shower after your long run and before you drive a car. They were serving a spiked punch, but I couldn t even taste the alcohol in it. I can t be drunk! Party goer, beware. Fruit juices have the ability to mask the taste of alcohol. A fruit punch can contain a substantial amount of alcohol without the taste of the alcohol which you can taste in another kind of drink. A mild-tasting cup of punch at a party may contain more alcohol than any normal drink you would buy at a bar. NOTHING CHANGES BAC EXCEPT TIME!!!!! 8

9 Campus Resources Office of Health Promotion Phone: VB Harrison Health Center Contact: Erin Murphy, Health Educator Collect campus data, administer BASICS and JADE education programs, facilitate class, residence hall, and group outreach and presentations Peer Health Educators Phone: VB Harrison Health Center Contact: Erin Murphy, Advisor Presentations, research, and student perspective University Police Department Nonemergency number: Kinard Hall, Wing C Web address: /u_police/ Community safety, emergency response, and outreach University of Mississippi Counseling Center Phone: counslg@olemiss.edu Corner of Poole and All American Drive Web address: /stu_counseling/ Contact: Amy Fisher or Keysha Thomas -Individual counseling sessions to address a wide range of needs -Early Intervention Support Group (students seeking to modify habits) -Oasis (support group for student who are making a change to establish an alcohol and drugfree lifestyle.) Young People s AA Meeting Al-Anon Meeting Phone: Contact: Amy Fisher A traditional 12-step support group for those seeking abstinence from alcohol and drug use. Meets Tuesdays at 6 PM. Phone: Contact: Amy Fisher A traditional 12-step support group supporting those friends and family who are affected by the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Meets Wednesday at 5:30 PM. UM Recovery Community Phone: recovery@olemiss.edu Contact: Amy Fisher Provides support so students can successfully pursue their academics, social life and recovery. Provides resources and a strong network to help integrate students into college life. 9

10 Community Resources Oxford Police Department Nonemergency number: Web address: Community safety and emergency response Communicare Phone: Web address: Communicare is a mental health center that offers three types of services: outpatient treatment, residential treatment, and consultation. CHEERS to the Designated Driver Phone: um.cheers@gmail.com Web address: cheersofmississippi/ CHEERS is a program that encourages individuals not to drink and drive by providing free non-alcoholic drinks to designated drivers. Rebel Ride Phone: rebelride@olemiss.edu Web address: Provides free transportation to designated locations throughout Oxford. Stay Dry! Mississippi Coalition of Partners in Prevention Phone: Web address: Prevention Coalition funded by US DOE partners include UM, MSU, MUW, and other IHEs. Alcohol-Related Policies Visit for full details. Two Strike Policy Minimum Sanctions for Alcohol and Other Drug Violations o To set forth minimum sanctions for students and recognized student organizations found in violation of any alcohol or drug related policy. Policy Code DSA.DS Alcohol o Alcohol is not permitted in any residence hall on the University of Mississippi campus. This policy defines Student Housing and Residence Life s expectations for residents and visitors. Policy Code DSA.SH Alcohol Policy o To prevent illegal or abusive alcohol consumption Policy Code CHA.AM

11 References Used in Text Alcohol and Drug Education Programs, Texas A&M University. edu/adep/alc_absorption.html Retrieved on June 28, Presley, C.A., Pimentel, E.R. (2006). The introduction of the heavy and frequent drinker: a proposed classification to increase accuracy of alcohol assessments in postsecondary educational settings. Journal of Student Alcohol, 67, 1-8. White, S., Park, Y., Cordero, E. (2010). Impact of curriculum infusion on college students drinking behaviors. Journal of American College Health, 58(6), Additional References, Resources, Readings, and Materials Borsari, B., Boyle, K.E., Hustad, J.T.P., Barnett, N.P., Tevyaw, T.O., Kahler, C.W. (2007). Drinking before drinking: Pregaming and drinking games in mandated students. Addictive Behaviors, 32, Pregaming, the practice of consuming alcohol before attending a social function, has not received as much research attention as drinking games among college students. This study investigated the prevalence of both pregaming and drinking game participation in a sample of mandated students (N=334) who had been referred for an alcohol violation. Glassman, T.J. (2010). Alcohol measures and terms: A perfect storm for chronic confusion. Journal of American College Health, 58(4), Terms such as binge drinking have resulted in considerable controversy and debate. Asking students to recall specific time frames from a night of heavy drinking may compromise research validity. The traditional binge drinking criterion does not adequately assess intoxication levels or more extreme levels of consumption. Huang, J.-H., DeJong, W., Towvim, L. G., & Schneider, S. K. (2009). Sociodemographic and psychobehavioral characteristics of college students who abstain from alcohol. Journal of American College Health, 57(4), Campus-based prevention programs should be grounded in a better understanding of how motives not to drink are developed and sustained in high school and college. Woodyard, C.D., Hallam, J.S. (2010). Differences in college student typical drinking and celebration drinking. Journal of American College Health, 58(6), A Ph.D. graduate student at Ole Miss, Catherine Woodyard has studied the celebratory versus regular weekend alcohol consumption of University of Mississippi students. Amethyst Initiative: Information on the current debate of lowering the drinking age. Virtual Bar: Order a laptop and screen for the classroom and work through a typical night of student alcohol use see the difference additional time, gender, size, and drink variety makes to the night s outcomes. 11

12 Alcohol Jeopardy Directions: 1. Draw a 5x5 grid on the board and label as shown: Alcohol Sexual Assault Campus Law/Policy Miscellaneous Break the class up into even teams. If a small group, three teams works well. 3. Determine how each team will buzz in to indicate that they would like to answer the question. 4. Write team names on the board and be ready to keep score. 5. Play begins when one team chooses the first item on the board. This and subsequent questions are open to any team to buzz in and answer. However, the only time that a team is the sole group responsible for answering is if they land a Daily Double. (Note: Once a team has successfully been the first to buzz in, they can have the opportunity to talk about the answer with each other before the person that buzzed responds. It also works best if no one buzzes until the question has been read in its entirety.) 6. When on a Daily Double, the team has the opportunity to set their own point value for that question anything from 0 to two times (double) the current score. If the team currently has 0, and therefore cannot double, up to 1600 points may be wagered. 7. Play continues with points being added if the question is answered correctly and subtracted if incorrect. 8. Cross off each spot on the board when the question for that spot has been addressed. When the board is clear, add up the total scores and announce the Final Jeopardy topic. 9. Give the teams a chance to work together in determining how much to wager for Final Jeopardy. They are to write that amount down. 10. Read the Final Jeopardy question and give the teams a chance to work together in responding to the question. Again, the response should be written and submitted. 11. Review the response from each team awarding or subtracting points based on their individual wagers. 12. The team with the greatest number of points at the end wins. (Note: In traditional Jeopardy, contestants respond in the form of a question. This activity is not set up that way. The questions are such that the instructor asks and the students respond.) 12

13 Alcohol Sexual Assault Campus Law/Policy Miscellaneous Q: What is the number one date rape drug? A: Alcohol Q: What does BAC stand for? A: Blood Alcohol Concentration (or Content) the amount of alcohol present in blood Answer requires two parts Q: What is the definition of binge drinking for women? For men? A: 4 or more for women, 5 or more for men in a two hour period (or setting) Answer requires 3 parts Q: What is the definition of one standard drink of beer, wine, and liquor? A: 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, 1.5 oz of liquor DAILY DOUBLE! Q: Why does alcohol affect men and women differently? A: (any of these are acceptable) -body composition and water content between genders -difference in level of enzymes to breakdown alcohol (alcohol dehydrogenase) -weight differences Q: Provide two examples of how a person can ask for consent. A: Accept anything along these lines Is this okay?, Do you like it when I do this?, Can I touch you here?, etc Q: Describe a potential red dot and then a green dot to counteract. A: Accept any example of potential sexual violence and then a bystander intervention technique to counter Q: About 1 in 4 women are assaulted in their lifetime. Where can help be found? A: (accept any)violence Prevention, Office, UPD, Counseling Center, Dean of Students, Psychological Services, Health Center, Family Crisis Services Q: If you needed information on the 2 Strike policy, which office would you contact? A: Dean of Students Q: If you wanted to talk with someone about depression and/or anxiety, what resources are available on campus? A: Psychological Services or University Counseling Center Q: What percent of Ole Miss students report not using alcohol? A: (closest wins) 36.1% report either never using alcohol or not using in last 30 days Q: What percent of Ole Miss students report not using marijuana? A: (closest wins) 89.5% report either never using marijuana or not using in the last 30 days Q: If you are under the age of 21 and are caught with an alcoholic beverage, does it go on your record? A: Yes DAILY DOUBLE! Q: Explain the Zero Tolerance Law. A: If you are under the age of 21 and driving with a BAC at or above 0.02 (not 0.08!!), you will receive a DUI Q: When are you considered legally drunk if you are 21 OR OLDER? A: BAC at or over Answer requires two parts Q: In what circumstances might a student receive an ON campus strike related to alcohol and drugs in an OFF campus setting? A: DUI or Drug Related offense within the Oxford community Q: % of Ole Miss students under the age of 21 do not binge drink. A: (closest wins) 70% Q: % of Ole Miss students under the age of 21 do not drink and drive. A: (closest wins) 80% Q: The only thing that reverses the effects of alcohol is. A: Time Answer requires two parts Q: Provide two critical signs for alcohol poisoning. A: (accept any two) Mental confusion Vomiting Seizures Slow breathing Irregular breathing Hypothermia Bluish color/paleness Final Jeopardy Topic: DRINKING GAMES Q: Why are drinking games considered to be a violation of the University Alcohol Policy? A: Because they promote rapid consumption techniques and by their nature promote abusive consumption and thus violate the policy. 13

14 Directions: On the front of this page are four possible scenarios students may be faced with and on the back are seven open-ended questions to get the discussion of alcohol started. You may use these examples in any way you like, even make up a few of your own. One suggestion is to print off the bold scenario or question on an index card and randomly pass them through the class, asking students to read their card and then respond. On many of these scenarios or questions, discussion will ensue with other students wishing to share their thoughts and responses. Scenario 1: SCENARIOS Imagine you and your friends decide to go bar hopping on The Square. You volunteered to be the DD. A few drinks later you realize you should not drive, yet your friends insist you do so. What would you do? Talking Points: Things to reiterate include not conceding to peer pressure, trusting your instinct that you are unable to drive safely, and remembering that you shouldn t volunteer unless you are responsible enough to follow through and remain sober. It is important to find a safe ride; this could include Rebel Ride, taxi, University DD ( or other options. Things not to do: draw straws, try to determine the least drunk of the group, or play rock-paper-scissors. Scenario 2: Imagine you are out on a date. You and your date have a couple of drinks at dinner, and then more at a friend s house. You realize that your date drove and he/she is now drunk. What would you do to get home safely? Talking Points: Similar to Scenario 1, add that pre-planning is important when alcohol is involved. Making arrangements ahead of time reduces the awkward conversation later. Reiterate the importance of a safe ride, including a sober friend, taxi, OUT busses (noting the hours of operation), etc. Scenario 3: Imagine you and your friends are not 21, yet your friends are drinking. You are worried about them possibly getting in trouble. What would you say to them? Do you think they would listen to you, why or why not? Talking Points: This is an open ended scenario responses may be based on location, whether they were drinking in the residence hall, Grove, bar, etc. What you will most likely hear for a response is that friends will not listen to each other and will likely get a violation or experience another negative consequence before listening. Tips for the concerned friend: don t get discouraged. It s okay to be the mother hen, when in doubt always side with safety. Scenario 4: Imagine you are underage and feel as if you are being peer pressured by your friends to drink, take shots, pre-game, etc. How would you handle the situation? Talking Points: Ah, peer pressure, amazing how we never escape it, even as adults. Number one response is Just say no. Saying no thanks does work; however, when questioned further, students may develop more creative responses like drinking an alcohol look-alike (coke instead of rum and coke, water instead of vodka, etc) or accepting a drink and then later just pouring it out. 14

15 QUESTIONS Question 1: What are some protective behaviors you can use to reduce your risk of becoming intoxicated? Note: Protective behaviors can include anything that allows more time to lapse, reduces or eliminates the amount of alcohol consumed, or encourages abstaining from drinking all together. Examples: alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, setting and communicating a limit prior to beginning drinking, establishing a designated decider, etc. Question 2: Do you think that Ole Miss has an alcohol problem compared to other schools? Why or why not? Note: Responses may reference the University as the #2 party school or the fact that college drinking happens everywhere and we are really no different. This question is meant to open the floor and get students talking there s no right or wrong answer it s about perception. Question 3: What is your definition of being drunk? Note: Again, this is really all about perception. One of the answers we find most amusing is when you see someone one-eyed texting (because they can t see well enough). A talking point is BAC and Zero-Tolerance for underage students technically, when you re underage, your drunk is 0.02 and you can be liable for DUI at or above Question 4: What is your definition of being sober? Note: Similar to Question 3. Question 5: Have you lost a friend, family member, or someone you know to alcohol use or an alcohol related accident? Note: If you poll the class, you may find that every hand is raised in response to this question. The impact is incredible. Question 6: If you received an alcohol violation, how would it affect your relationship with your family? Note: Parents receive letters for on-campus and many off-campus violations. Therefore, it s difficult for students to hide or keep their alcohol violations a secret. Question 7: What are some creative alternatives to drinking, going to bars, partying, etc? (Or: What are some things you can do in Oxford that do not require consuming alcohol?) Note: Go to the pool, visit Turner Center, play intramurals, enjoy a round of golf, visit Rowan Oak, go to Lamar Park, ride your bike, see an event at the Ford Center, visit Malco for a new movie the possibilities are endless. 15

16 411 ON FOUR LOKO AND ALCOPOP (From: Jan. 14, 2011) Dear Reader, Nicknamed Black Out In a Can (and sometimes referred to as "alcopop"), Four Loko and similar products are already off most store shelves. There are a number of reasons why Four Loko, Joose, and a few others are particularly dangerous even more dangerous than the often compared Red Bull and vodka. The negative effects these drinks can have on the brain is actually not fully understood. This is because these drinks are so potentially dangerous that researchers cannot ethically test their effects in a controlled environment. So, whether it obliterates brain cells and memory worse than regular heavy drinking is uncertain, but here's what is known about these drinks. First, they have more caffeine than a can of Red Bull or a typical cup of coffee. Red Bull contains 80 milligrams of caffeine per 8 oz can while Four Loko packs approximately 260 milligrams. Four Loko also contains a ton (that's the scientific term for 60 grams) of sugar, which masks the bitterness of the alcohol. Lastly, it contains 12% alcohol, about the same as wine and twice as much as beer. Although both beer and Four Loko are malt beverages, adding sugar to the grain fermentation process boosts the alcohol content, which is why these beverages have significantly higher alcohol content than beer. Of course, they don't come in an 8 oz can like some energy drinks they come in a 23 oz can. This means that one can of Four Loko contains the alcohol equivalent of 5 drinks by volume. So what does all this mean for your body? Well, one of your body's defense mechanisms against alcohol poisoning is good, ol' fashioned falling asleep. Getting tired has probably saved the lives and livers of many, many college students. In extreme cases when a person refuses to go to sleep, the body may cut him or her off by passing out (a self-defense form of sleep). But caffeine, because it is a stimulant, short circuits this mechanism. The result is that a person remains awake and alert and able to take inebriation to new heights. But that's not all. The speed at which a person consumes alcohol also affects his or her drunkenness. Because the drink tastes like candy, it is easier to chug than, say, 23 oz of wine. This contributes to many of the reported emergency room visits from drinkers of products like Four Loko. One final concern with the intense caffeine and alcohol pairing is more severely impaired judgment. Perhaps you have seen that 1950's style "ad" for coffee that reads: "Drink Coffee: Do Stupid Things Faster and With More Energy." Well, this saying applies in the case of the energy drink and alcohol combo. Numerous studies have found that people either buzzed or drunk on energy drinks and alcohol are more likely to take risks than people drunk on alcohol alone. They are also more likely to drive drunk despite the fact that motor coordination is no less impaired during a caffeinated drunkenness. Other studies cite increased levels of aggression and decreased ability to judge exactly how hammered one is. Thus, the illusion of relative sobriety gets people into trouble. So, the risks lie both in the physical effects themselves and also in the behavioral ones. Of course, the caffeine and alcohol combo (e.g. rum and cokes, Irish coffee) existed before and will outlast the pre-packaged alcoholic energy drink fad. In moderation, this combo doesn't necessarily carry the same risks as these manufactured drinks, though much of this depends on the metabolism of the individual. 16