Drinking Age Should Stay at 21

The legal drinking age has been a topic of debate for many years. Some argue that it should be lowered to 18, aligning it with the legal age for voting and military service, while others believe that it should remain at 21. In this essay, I will argue that the drinking age should stay at 21 due to the negative effects of alcohol on developing brains, the correlation between the drinking age and alcohol-related accidents, and the potential for increased binge drinking if the age were lowered.

Effects of Alcohol on Developing Brains

One of the primary reasons the drinking age should stay at 21 is the negative impact of alcohol on developing brains. Research has shown that the brain continues to develop until the mid-20s, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control. Alcohol consumption during this critical period can have long-term detrimental effects on cognitive function and behavior, increasing the risk of addiction and mental health issues. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, individuals who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until they are 21.

Correlation Between Drinking Age and Alcohol-Related Accidents

Another compelling reason for maintaining the drinking age at 21 is the correlation between the legal drinking age and alcohol-related accidents. Numerous studies have demonstrated that when the drinking age is lowered, there is a corresponding increase in alcohol-related car crashes and fatalities among young people. For example, a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that when the legal drinking age was lowered in some states in the 1970s, there was a significant rise in alcohol-related traffic fatalities among 18- to 20-year-olds. Conversely, when the drinking age was raised back to 21, these numbers decreased significantly.

Potential for Increased Binge Drinking

If the drinking age were lowered, there is a strong likelihood that there would be an increase in binge drinking among young people. Binge drinking, defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time, is already a significant problem among college students. Lowering the drinking age would likely exacerbate this issue, as younger individuals may lack the maturity and experience to consume alcohol responsibly. Studies have shown that binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, risky sexual behavior, and even death. Maintaining the drinking age at 21 helps to mitigate these risks by delaying the onset of alcohol consumption among young people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the argument that the drinking age should stay at 21. The negative effects of alcohol on developing brains, the correlation between the drinking age and alcohol-related accidents, and the potential for increased binge drinking all point to the importance of maintaining the current legal drinking age. By waiting until the age of 21 to allow individuals to consume alcohol legally, we can help to protect the health and well-being of young people and reduce the societal costs associated with alcohol-related issues.