That would be alcoholic energy drinks, such as Four Loco, Joose, Max, Liquid Charge, and lots of others. They have that sickly-sweet taste that fits the kiddy palate. And since they look like regular energy drinks, they are easy to pass by cashiers and parents.
But these are actually malt liquors that contain between 9% and 12% alcohol! That’s way more alcohol than beer, which has 5%, or, in some states 3%. (Maybe that’s why they call the one brand “Four.” It has four times more alcohol than beer. Drinking one can is like drinking four beers. And caffeine–the equivalent of three or so cups of coffee in each can– adds to the intoxicating effect, even as the stimulant makes kids think they are not being affected. (This is in addition to other dangers from the combination of depressants and stimulants.)
But these, rather than the more honest beer, are what children and adolescents are sneaking around drinking these days.
(Do all of you parents already know this? Or am I the late-learner?)
See How are these different? Three have alcohol, one doesn’t | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com.
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