It might be considered unsafe to mix alcohol with caffeinated drinks because caffeine, a stimulant, can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, making a person feel more alert than they actually are while intoxicated. This masking effect can lead to consuming more alcohol than intended and engaging in risky behaviors such as drunk driving or unprotected sex. Additionally, mixing the two can increase the risk of binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, higher blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, dehydration, and impaired judgment, ultimately raising the chance of injury, health problems, and even death. Caffeine does not reduce the level of alcohol in the blood or sober a person up, so the body still suffers the full effects of intoxication despite feeling more awake and energetic.