May 14, 2008 11:37 am
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El Paso Times on ’alcopops’:
Just because a teenager is holding something other than a beer can, the liquid inside might not be OK to drink. Be on alert for liquids that are a mixture of high-caffeine and alcohol. There is now an emerging problem with these beverages being advertised to youngsters. They mimic soda pop, but have the effects of a ‘‘wide-awake drunk.’’ They are referred to as ‘‘alcopops.’’
And they seem to be sneaking in amid the fairly new teen habit of indulging in high-energy drinks, as adults have indulged in coffee for centuries.
Caffeine isn’t alcohol, thus there’s no law banning caffeine to underage persons. But health experts point out that an 8.4-ounce can of certain high-energy products can have as much caffeine as seven Pepsis.
If they’re mixed with alcohol, that’s what Nicole Holt of Texans Standing Tall termed, ‘‘wide-awake drunk.’’ She said, ‘‘some of these products are sweet and appeal to young people.’’
Holt travels the state conducting forums relating to the problems high-energy drinks are causing youths, especially the more-potent high-energy drinks.
‘‘The information we provide at these events about these products is jaw-dropping,’’ she said.
One such a brand was a high-energy drink named Cocaine that stirred up controversy last year.
Most people know a can of beer when they see one. But to help steer youngsters away from the threat of drug and alcohol addiction, it’s also important to know just what’s in the can that looks like some new brand of just-plain soda pop.
Be alert to this emerging problem of the ‘‘wide-awake drunk.’’
URL: http://www.elpasotimes.com
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