In response to "Effects of Energy Drinks Mixed with Alcohol on Behavioral Control: Risks for College Students Consuming Trendy Cocktails," a study to be published in the July issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, Dr. Maureen Storey, senior vice president of science policy for the American Beverage Association, issued the following statement:

"Our industry agrees that underage and binge drinking are serious public health problems. However, they will not be addressed by focusing on non-alcoholic beverages, but rather through efforts such as educating young adults about the effects of consuming alcohol. In fact, the authors' concentration on energy drinks, rather than alcohol, does nothing to shed light on the serious problems of underage drinking, excessive alcohol consumption and alcoholism among young adults.

Importantly, ABA member companies manufacture non-alcoholic beverages, including energy drinks, but do not manufacture alcoholic beverages. And while energy drinks do contain caffeine, it is important to put the amount in perspective. In fact, most mainstream energy drinks contain about half the caffeine of a similar size coffeehouse coffee. Furthermore, energy drinks and their ingredients are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as are all foods and beverages."

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.