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Last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned seven dangerous caffeinated alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic Energy Drinks combine a stimulant (caffeine) with alcohol (a depressant). The caffeine can often mask the effect of the alcohol, and result in higher rates of binge drinking amongst youth. Binge drinking increases the likely a youth will participate in risky behavior, become injured, suffer lasting brain damage, or even die. Every year approximately 6,000 youth in America die as result of underage drinking.
You may be wondering with the major alcoholic energy drinks off the market what the harm is with Alco-pops. Alco-pops are flavored malt beverages which special appeal to youth with sweet flavors that are packaged to resemble non-alcoholic drinks. MADD Kentucky State Offices still offering Alco-pops Presentations to adult groups wishing to learn more about the marketing practices many alcohol companies are using to attract youth, and to increase adult awareness on how to identify non-alcoholic from alcoholic beverages. Adult groups wishing to schedule a 15-20 minute presentation may contact Tara.McGuire@madd.org. Last year's presentation may also be viewed online at http://maddky.org/proctect_video.php.
The Marin Institute recently proposed model state legislation to expand on the federal ban on Alcoholic Energy Drinks. The legislation would restrict the size and alcohol content of the newly reformulated beverages.
See www.marininstitute.org for more information. According to the Marin Institute, Alco-pops products are sold in supersized 23.5 oz., since serving cans, with up to 12% alcohol content— the equivalent of 4.7 standard drinks of alcohol. That's a binge drink in a can, and a deadly recipe for youth.
Michele Simon, research and public policy director at Marin Institute said, "The federal government action was a giant step forward to protect the public from products containing illegal substances such as caffeine. Now it's time for states to codify the federal ruling, as well as protect the public health and safety by restricting high alcohol content, supersized Alco-pops."
MADD Kentucky is in the process of reformulating their Alco-pops Power-Point Presentation and Alco-pops Brochure. Check back to download these items from our website, or contact tara.mcguire@madd.org to request them from the MADD Kentucky State Office through our Youth in Action Program. Youth groups wishing to get involved in raising adult awareness about Alco-pops should also contact MADD KY.
MADD Statement about Blast by Colt 45:
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) joins with the numerous Attorneys General across the country who are asking Pabst Brewing Company to significantly reduce the number of servings of alcohol in a single container of Blast by Colt 45, since one 23.5-ounce can of Blast contains nearly 5 servings of alcohol. MADD is concerned that Blast may encourage dangerous binge drinking—which can lead to drunk driving—by those over 21, as well as those who are underage, posing serious health risks and greatly impairing these individuals' decision-making abilities. MADD also urges Pabst Brewing Company to examine the marketing of this beverage in order to clarify its high alcohol content. Nearly 11,000 Americans are killed and more than 350,000 are injured each year in drunk driving crashes — a 100 percent preventable crime. In addition, teen alcohol use kills 6,000 people each year, more than all illegal drugs combined. Therefore, MADD is committed to keeping drunk drivers off the road, serving victims of drunk driving crashes and preventing underage drinking.
2012 Alco-pops Powerpoint (PowerPoint 97-2003)
MADD KY Youth in Action Alcopops Presentation Outline
MADD KY Youth in Action Alcopops Presentation Outline (Word 97-2003)
MADD KY Youth in Action Alcopops Presentation Worksheet
MADD KY Youth in Action Alcopops Presentation Worksheet (Word 97-2003
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The KY Youth in Action Program is funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
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Tara McGuire, State Youth Program Coordinator, 649 Charity Court, Suite 10, Frankfort, KY 40601, Phone 1-800-944-6233
or e-mail her at tara.mcguire@madd.org