AHS Views

I don’t have any problem with ingenuity. In fact, I admire and approve of most entrepreneurs. However, this case is an exception: I think positioning an energy drink to appear as a drug is sleazy.  Logan Gola, the CEO of Blow, has made his energy drink powder and packaging look like a vial of cocaine. Energy drinks may not be gateway drugs requiring drug addiction help, and naming energy drinks after drugs isn’t illegal, but I wonder what parents will think if a few 10 year olds order it and have it stored in their bedrooms.

A similar product called ‘Cocaine’ was taken off the market by the FDA - the same may happen to Blow. ‘Cocaine’s’ manufacturer changed the name and redistributed it, but it now looks like they’ve won the battle to use the name ‘Cocaine’ again. Blow and Logan Gola may get some publicity for this product. But in this case, I hope it is a dismal failure.  I can’t really see how promoting an energy drink to appear like cocaine can help anyone, except perhaps Mr. Gola.

Cocaine has been a problem in Florida for 40 years and to try and ride on those coattails doesn’t seem to be in the best interest of anyone except Mr. Gola, a few employees, and perhaps some investors. At Addiction Help Services we talk to people who are addicted to cocaine, it isn’t a joke and they do need drug addiction help. In time we will know if these energy drinks are “gateway drugs.” For now I would advise keeping your children away from them. In Florida, one school district in Broward County has banned them from campus. Mr. Gola, if you need addiction help I hope you will get it.