WASHINGTON—Lawyers for the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest served Anheuser-Busch and Miller Brewing Company with notices of CSPI’s intent to sue the companies over a new generation of caffeinated alcoholic drinks. Drinks such as Anheuser-Busch’s Bud Extra and Tilt, and Miller’s Sparks, have more alcohol than beer and contain stimulant additives that are not officially approved for use in alcoholic drinks, including caffeine, taurine, ginseng, or guarana.

No studies are available to support the safety of consuming those stimulants and alcohol together—but new research does indicate that the young consumers of what CSPI calls “alcospeed” are more likely to binge drink, become injured, ride with an intoxicated driver, or be taken advantage of sexually than drinkers of conventional alcoholic drinks. And the viral marketing campaigns behind the drinks are clearly designed to appeal to young, and often underage, drinkers, according to CSPI.

More than 25 supermarkets, convenience stores and off licenses are working with Westminster City Council. The scheme aims to reduce levels of drug dealing, begging and urinating in the borough's streets.

Tesco, Waitrose, Londis and Budgens, as well as off-licenses including Threshers, have joined the voluntary scheme in Marylebone High Street, Victoria and Pimlico.

Councillor Audrey Lewis, cabinet member for community protection and licensing, said: "Cheap, super-strength alcohol is aimed at alcoholics, drug users and some of the most vulnerable and needy members of society.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Caught in a fragmented health care system, addicts in Pennsylvania can become frustrated in their journey toward recovery.

That's the message Gov. Ed Rendell's administration says it has been hearing from patients who wrestle with drug or alcohol abuse while suffering from mental illness or chronic diseases such as diabetes.