Beware of Gummy Bears, Candy Corn and Peppermint Sticks

We all could heed a little warning from a recent news broadcast out of Detroit that enlightened parents about the candy their children bring home. The latest trend seems hiding alcohol inside candy of any type.

Be it Gummy Bears, Red Hots, chocolate, peppermint sticks, candy corn, and just about any other kind of candy available, youngsters – in an attempt to get a buzz – are soaking this innocent candy in vodka. The candy absorbs the liquid and becomes infused with the alcohol, creating a very potent treat for children as well as adults. Because vodka is nearly odorless and colorless, the candy appears normal, and often smells as it should right off the shelf – but it contains enough vodka to place a child into an alcoholic coma.

According to the Citizens Rally for Change on Alcohol (CRCA), the vodka-laced candy tastes normal, leading the eater to consume several handfuls of the sweet treat. Besides obtaining the obvious short sugar rush, the children will also experience an increase in their blood alcohol level at an extremely rapid pace, making overdose is quite possible. Furthermore, CRCA noted that children found with the candy in their possession could be issued a ticket for MIP, minor in possession. Of interest, this is no different than if a child were found drinking a cup of alcohol – you name it: rum, whiskey, beer, wine, etc.

The scary part is that parents may know their child is eating Gummy Bears or candy corn, but are completely oblivious to the possible presence of alcohol. And, apparently, that’s the point. The CRCA claims that parents should be suspicious of candy that has not come out of its original wrapper. While that Zip-lock bag of Swedish Fish looks safe, it may have been soaked in vodka. Smelling the candy may not always reveal any alcohol content, so parents are urged to taste it before allowing your child to have it. Better yet, it may be safer to simply throw it away if there is any suspicion of liquor.

Having recently gone through the traditional Halloween trick-or-treating ritual, your child may be loaded with all sweets of all sorts. Parents are encouraged to check the candy for any substances dangerous to your children. More importantly, it may be best to chat with your child about alcohol and its dangers. Unfortunately, experimenting with alcohol is common; however, it is not safe, especially for a growing child. It’s important to discuss alcohol use and abuse early to ward off deviant and illegal behaviors.

The CRCA suggests that parents educate themselves in order to protect their children from using or abusing alcohol. Here are four suggestions:

1.      Be a good role model. Consider how your use of alcohol may influence your children.

2.      Educate yourself about alcohol and current trends. Read and collect information that you can share with your child.

3.      Build your child’s self-esteem. Children are more likely to feel good about themselves when their parents emphasize and positively reinforce healthy behaviors.

4.      Teach healthy stress management skills. By showing your child healthy coping mechanisms for stress, they are less likely to engage in poor behaviors such as using drugs or alcohol.

References:

Click on Detroit. (2011). How teens smuggle booze under your nose. Retrieved October 26, 2011 from http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/29384556/index.html.

Citizens Rally for Change on Alcohol. (2011). Parents, do you know what is in the candy your child is eating? Retrieved October 26, 2011 from http://www.crcadanecountywi.com/candy_anyone.