Four Loko May Be Gone, but Dangerous Alcohol Drinks Remain

these should stay on the shelves

kris of FL 1:13PM December 03, 2010

Part of me gets annoyed at how the media approaches issues relating to the dangers of drinking or drug use among our children. There is often a focus on fanning the fears of parents about the various “dangers lurking out there” for our kids.

A bigger part of if me is very glad they do it because it’s an excellent opportunity to hear what our kid’s have to say about the issue. Given the opportunity, they’ll express their (often strong) opinions about the various aspects of the issue—the government involvement angle, the beverage-marketing angle, how the beverage does or doesn’t impair people, etc.

As Dr. Lieberman in the article mentions, research suggests that when we talk openly with our children about drugs and drinking, they are more likely to have better self-control and develop more negative perceptions about these risky behaviors.

The caffeinated-alcohol drink issue is a great opportunity to let our kids express their opinions about these drinks. When we’re able to put aside (for the moment at least!) our parental fears and judgments and just listen, there’s a greater likelihood that we’ll get a glimpse into the thoughts and lives of our teen, an opportunity to make a positive connection with our teenager, and to possibly help them reduce their risky behavior.

www.barrylessin.com

Barry Lessin, M.Ed., CACD of PA 3:56PM November 24, 2010

I'm not going to disagree that caffeine is not "a [safe] food additive" to alcohol.... But don't you think that the FDA should be requiring tobacco companies to remove nicotine or at least all carcinogens from cigarettes first?

GEORGE ROBINSON of CO 11:09PM November 23, 2010