“Blackout in a Can” is what some people are calling Four Loko: a dangerous, new alcohol energy drink that contains nearly as much alcohol as a six pack of beer and as much caffeine as a 12-ounce cup of coffee, all in one supersized serving (24-ounce can).Alcohol energy drinks are no new concept and have long been a concern. However, alcohol-infused energy drinks like Four Loko, are especially dangerous because they contain an incredibly high amount of alcohol mixed with caffeine. Medical experts say that combining a depressant (alcohol) with a stimulant (caffeine) is hazardous to both the body and brain, and it makes for a, “wide awake drunk,” as the caffeine masks the typical effects of alcohol.Four Loko’s extreme alcohol content, flashy packaging, fruity-sweet flavors and cheap price (sold for as little as $1.99) give it strong youth appeal. And in fact, lawmakers in a number of states are taking legislative action. Earlier this month, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission was successful in banning the sale of alcohol energy drinks in their state.Parents, we want you to not only be aware of this product, and others like it, but we encourage you to talk to your children about the dangers of alcohol energy drinks. Get the conversation started by asking what they know about alcohol energy drinks; then go from there.For additional links on Four Loko visit:Join Together: Doctors Say Alcoholic Energy Drinks DangerousNew York Times: Caffeine and Alcohol Drink Is Potent Mix for Young Columbus Dispatch: Four Loko - Controversial caffeinated alcoholic drink has roots in OhioFast Company: How Four Loko Sanitized Its Social MediaSOURCE: “Know! is a program of Drug-Free Action Alliance.”CTCADA offers both adolescent intervention and treatment programs. Education, individual counseling, family therapy, group counseling and referral to other resources are all part of a comprehensive effort to prevent or intervene in youth alcohol and drug abuse. Call us at 254-690-4455!