Dallas, Texas—
It's one of the most popular candies on the market and a favorite of young children and teens -- gummy bears.
Now a lot of teens are using them to get a buzz.
In a YouTube video, a woman is seen mixing gummy bears with vodka, and teens are using the recipe.
The gummies are soaked in vodka in a refrigerator for several days so the candies absorb the liquor. While you may think the teen is having a sweet treat, they may very well be getting drunk.
David Burkett is a drug counselor and was shocked to learn about the trend.
“The problem with teens and alcohol today is that it seems to be more accessible to them. There doesn't seem to be as much parental controls as there once were or was so it seems to be escalating more and more”, Burkett said.
Police departments are now warning parents of the danger. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers of North Texas released this statement saying they are "concerned to hear about any alcohol consumption by those under age 21. MADD urges parents to use this opportunity to talk with their kids about the dangers of underage drinking.
Meanwhile, Burkett is urging adults who are thinking of making the concoction for Halloween to be careful especially if small children are around.
"My concern again is that the kids will come home and see a jar full of gummy bears in the refrigerator not knowing they're brewing in vodka and it could create a health issue. It could even cause death" Burkett said.