Alcohol Self-Help News

Alcoholic Beverages Containing Caffeine

fredjoiners — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:23:57 +0000

FDA to Evaluate Safety and Legality of Alcoholic Beverages Containing Caffeine

“The increasing popularity of consumption of caffeinated alcoholic beverages by college students and reports of potential health and safety issues necessitates that we look seriously at the scientific evidence as soon as possible.” — Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, Principal Deputy Commissioner of Food and Drugs, FD

What are caffeinated alcoholic beverages?

Caffeinated alcoholic beverages are alcoholic beverages to which the manufacturer has intentionally added caffeine and/or other stimulants that are metabolized as caffeine (e.g., guarana). An increasing number of companies are producing these beverages, with young people as the apparent marketing target. The reported prevalence of combined caffeine and alcohol use among U.S. college students is high as 28%.

What are the potential health concerns with caffeinated alcoholic beverages?

Studies have shown that people who drink caffeinated alcoholic beverages drink larger quantities of alcohol.
Caffeine can mask the negative effects of alcohol intoxication, increasing the chance that users will engage in potentially risky behaviors, such as drinking and driving, because they don’t feel that they are intoxicated.
Users of caffeinated alcoholic beverages are also more likely to experience alcohol-related consequences, such as being taken advantage of or taking advantage of someone else sexually.
Consuming these beverages may also be associated with adverse effects on heart rhythm, most likely in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Is caffeine approved by the FDA for use in alcoholic beverages?

A food additive is presumed by the FDA to be unsafe unless its particular use has been approved by federal regulation or is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under the conditions of its intended use. The FDA has approved caffeine as GRAS for use only in non-alcoholic cola- type beverages at concentrations of no greater 0.02 percent. The FDA has not approved caffeine for use at any level in alcoholic beverages.

What is the FDA doing about this?

On November 13, 2009, the FDA issued a mandate to nearly 30 manufacturers* of caffeinated alcoholic beverages to produce within 30 days their rationale and supporting data concluding that their use of caffeine in an alcoholic beverage is either GRAS or prior sanctioned.** To be GRAS, the burden is on the manufacturers to show that 1) the use of caffeine is safe for use in alcoholic beverages based on publicly available scientific evidence and 2) there is a consensus among qualified experts regarding the safety of caffeine for this use. In their letter to manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages, the FDA states that, “If FDA determines that the use of caffeine in your alcoholic beverage is not GRAS or subject to a prior sanction, FDA will take appropriate action to ensure that this product is removed from the marketplace.”

*In the past year, Anheuser-Busch and Miller agreed to discontinue their caffeinated alcoholic beverages and agreed to not produce any caffeinated alcoholic beverages in the future.

**A substance is considered prior-sanctioned if its specific use in food was authorized by the FDA or the Department of Agriculture prior to September 6, 1958.

SOURCES: Adapted by CESAR from the following documents available on the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/ucm190366.htm: “FDA to Look Into Safety of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages; Agency Sends Letters to Nearly 30 Manufacturers,” FDA Press Release, 11/13/09; FDA, Questions & Answers on Caffeine in Alcoholic Beverages, 2009; CAB Letter to FDA from Attorneys General, 9/25/09; CAB Letter to FDA from Scientists, 9/21/09.

24 Workplace Actions of ACOA’s

fredjoiners — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:23:36 +0000

Adult Children of Alcoholism / Addiction in the Workplace

ACOA’s often transfer behaviour learned in childhood into other adult spheres of life. In true co-dependency style these often confuse and confound us.

Some of these are;

We confuse our boss or supervisor with our alcoholic parents and have similar relationship patterns, behaviors, and reactions that are carryovers from childhood.
We confuse our co-workers with our siblings or our alcoholic parents and repeat childhood reactions in those working relationships.
We expect lavish praise and acknowledgment from our boss for our efforts on the job.
Authority figures scare us and we feel afraid when we need to talk to them.
We get a negative gut reaction when dealing with someone who has the physical characteristics or mannerisms of our alcoholic parent.
We have felt isolated and different from everyone around us, but we don’t really know why.
We lose our temper when things upset us rather than dealing with problems productively.
We busy ourselves with our co-workers’ jobs, often telling them how to do their work.
We can get hurt feelings when co-workers do things socially together without asking us, even though we have not made an effort to get to know them and join in the social life.
We are afraid to make the first move to get to know a co-worker better, thinking they will not like us or approve of us.
We usually do not know how to ask for what we want or need on the job, even for little things.
We do not know how to speak up for ourselves when someone has said or done something inappropriate. We try desperately to avoid face-to-face confrontations.
We are sensitive and can get extremely upset with any form of criticism of our work.
We want to be in charge of every project or activity, feeling more comfortable when we are in control of every detail, rather than letting others be responsible.
We may be the workplace "clown" to cover up our insecurities or to get attention from others.
We are people-pleasers and may take on extra work, or our co-worker’s tasks, in order to be liked and receive approval from others.
We do not know how to be assertive in getting our needs met or expressing a concern. We may have to repeatedly rehearse our comments before delivering them.
We have felt that we do not deserve a raise, promotion, better workspace, or a better job.
We do not know how to set boundaries, and we let others interrupt us. We can accept more work without knowing how to say ‘no’ appropriately.
We are perfectionists about our own work and expect others to be the same and have the same work ethics and values.
We become workaholics because it gives us a feeling of self-worth we did not get as a child.
We may jump from job to job, looking for the perfect position as the substitute for the secure and nurturing home environment we did not have.
We get upset when people do things that affect us or our work without asking us first.
We have a high tolerance for workplace dysfunction and tend to stick it out in an unhappy job because we lack the self-esteem to leave.

After the ACOA laundry list of characterisation.

Alcohol Reduces Birth Rates

fredjoiners — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:30:18 +0000

Alcohol Use Hinders In-Vitro Fertilization, Study Finds

Research summary

The odds of achieving a live birth through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) fell by 26 percent if either sex partner consumed four or more alcoholic drinks weekly, according to a new study.

Time magazine reported Oct. 27, 2009 that a study of more than 2,500 couples attempting IVF found that success rates fell by 16 percent if women drank and 14 percent if men drank. Wine seemed to affect IVF success the most among women, while beer drinking had the biggest negative impact among men.

Study lead author Brooke Rossi, M.D., of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston said the research showed that even moderate drinking could impair IVF.

"There are many factors in an IVF cycle that contribute to success or failure. Most of these, patients have no control over, like age. But one thing you can control is alcohol intake," said Rossi. "You can decrease or stop alcohol consumption, knowing that you are going to have to do it anyway if you do get pregnant and it may increase the chances of success in IVF cycle."

The findings were presented at a recent meeting of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

From Join Together Online.

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by Mayo Clinic

Poll; Is recovery from alcoholism / addiction sexy?

fredjoiners — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:10:49 +0000

What is your experience with people in recovery from alcoholism, addiction, codependency, and ACOA.

Were they sexy when practicing their dysfunctional behaviour?

Have they become more attractive since being in recovery?

Cast your vote in this poll.

Is recovery from alcoholism / addiction sexy?

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Surrender to Win

fredjoiners — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:57:05 +0000

Surrender to Win.

“Before A.A., I could not, or would not, admit I was wrong. My pride would not let me. And yet I was ashamed of me.

AA and Spirituality

fredjoiners — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:51:01 +0000

AA and Spirituality.

Given its prominence in Alcoholics Anonymous and related Twelve-Step groups, spirituality plays an important role in the rehabilitation of many substance-dependent people.

Depression

fredjoiners — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:40:24 +0000

Depression in 12 Step Groups members .

Major depression in patients with substance use disorders: Relationship to 12-Step self-help involvement and substance use outcomes.

Stay Humble or Stumble

fredjoiners — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:18:46 +0000

Stay Humble or Stumble. <<< Click here.

To be humble is to be balanced in our opinion of ourselves.

Narcotics Anonymous

fredjoiners — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:16:55 +0000

Narcotics Anonymous.

We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other to stay clean. There are no dues or fees. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using.

Hottest Articles, Recovery Is Sexy

fredjoiners — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:39:55 +0000