MULTIPLE FRUIT-FLAVORED ALCOHOLIC DRINK IN A CAN (MFAC) USE AMONG SUBSTANCE USING ADULTS ON PROBATION

Purpose (a): Over the last decade, an emerging class of large, canned alcohol products (e.g. Four Loko, Joose, Blast) have been marketed in the U.S. Research suggests that consumption of these MFAC products could contribute to hazardous alcohol consumption. However, little is known about their consumption and related harm. Methods (b): In Dallas, TX and Baltimore, MD, 211 interviews were conducted with adults on probation who were participating in a larger clinical trial. Inclusion criteria included (1) being on probation, (2) being 18 years or older, (3) speaking English, and (4) either (a) using any illicit drug in the past 90 days or (b) consuming 5 alcoholic drinks (or 4 for women) on a single occasion in the past 90 days. Results (c): For our analyses, we sub-selected individuals with a recent history of alcohol consumption; 143 participants (68%) consumed alcohol in the past 30 days. This sample was mostly black (71%) males (64%). Among this sample, 22 (15.4%) had consumed an MFAC in the past 30 days. A nearly equal proportion of black and white, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, and male and female participants reported consuming these products in this time period. Interestingly, individuals who reported being homeless in the past 30 days were nearly twice as likely to consume an MFAC during this time period compared to those who were not homeless (32% vs. 12%). Conclusions (d): Because of their marketing, these products were thought to largely appeal to youth. Among a national sample of underage youth who consumed alcohol in the past 30 days, 8% (6-11%, 95% CI) reported consuming at least one MFAC in the past 30 days. Recent consumption of MFACs among our sample of high-risk substance using individuals on probation is even greater than these rates. Given the inexpensive cost of per unit of alcohol and large number of calories these products afford, it is possible that these products provide lower socio-economic individuals with added benefits. An examination of the types of users might add to a small literature on how such products are attractive to different groups. Further work might be needed to compare this to other groups or a nationally representative sample.