Final answer:
Mixing alcohol and caffeine increases the risk of harm as caffeine can mask alcohol's depressant effects, leading to potentially dangerous health outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drinking alcohol and caffeinated energy drinks can put people at greater risk of harm than drinking alcohol alone. This combination can be dangerous because caffeine can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, leading to increased risk-taking and the inability to recognize one's own level of intoxication. Both substances have their own health impacts, and when combined, they can exacerbate each other's negative effects, potentially leading to serious consequences such as cardiovascular issues, increased blood pressure, and impaired judgment.