What is alcopop? Alcopops are a soda-like drink that provides various flavors, hence the name. People enjoy the drink since it’s sweet but contain alcohol. The genre of alcohol is typically sugary and has lower alcohol levels compared to hard spirits, at around three to seven percent. Because of the fun colors and flavors, teenagers are drawn to try the drink and abuse the substance. Young people are not as familiar with the adverse side effects of intoxication, and drinking soda-like beverages makes it easy to drink past an appropriate limit.
Short-Term Effects of Drinking Alcopops
Since the alcopop drinks do not taste much like alcohol, it’s easy to drink more than necessary to feel the effects of alcohol. The drinks are marketed to young crowds, and the presentation does hook people into buying the drink for an exciting occasion. The risks and side effects of alcopop drinks include:
- Impulsive actions
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lack of coordination
- Aggression or irritability
- Blackouts or memory loss
- Cognitive or memory impairment
- Quickly feeling effects of intoxication
- Risky behavior like drinking and driving
- Halting proper brain functioning or development
When a person, especially a teenager, begins drinking heavily at an impressionable age, tolerance is built quickly. Tolerance to a substance leads to abuse and has negative impacts on the brain and body since addiction is often a result that produces long-term health complications. To avoid effects like organ failure, seeking alcohol addiction treatment is highly recommended.
Flavored Alcopops
Some classic alcopop drinks include Diamond Zest, MD 20/20, Lambrini, and Bacardi Breezer. More popular alcopops today are Smirnoff alcoholic beverages like their Moscow Mule. In addition, Castaway, Apple Sourz, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade. are extremely popular, especially among the youth. Unfortunately, these favored drinks can lead to undesired effects.
People may experience anxiety, tremors, intense alcohol cravings, and excessive sweating. For teenagers suffering from alcoholism, finding a treatment center that offers an excellent 12-step program can be highly beneficial to mental and physical well-being.
For parents, talking to their teens realistically about the state of their addiction is vital, but the conversation must be approached with compassion and patience. If you are wondering how to spark this discussion, contact a specialist and ask questions.
Alcohol Treatment at Our Chicago Addiction Treatment Center
During the residential or outpatient treatment program, Banyan Chicago’s medical staff is prepared to guide patients safely through the treatment process. We understand how addiction, especially alcoholism, can lead to long-term health complications and result in losing work and relationships. We help patients through the withdrawal symptoms and teach the necessary skills to prevent relapse after treatment.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, speak to a specialist by calling 888-280-4763 today! Ask about our unique methods like art therapy that help positively distract the mind from cravings, and get started now!
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