Persuasive Essay on Lowering The Drinking Age

The legal drinking age in the United States has been a topic of debate for many years. Currently, the minimum age to purchase and consume alcohol is 21, but there is a growing movement to lower it to 18. Advocates of this change argue that setting the drinking age at 21 is not only ineffective but also counterproductive. This essay will explore the reasons why the drinking age should be lowered, including the potential benefits of such a change, the impact on young adults, and the comparison with other countries. Ultimately, lowering the drinking age to 18 is a necessary step towards promoting responsible drinking and reducing the negative consequences associated with underage drinking.

One of the main reasons to lower the drinking age is to address the issue of binge drinking among young adults. Studies have shown that the current drinking age of 21 has not been effective in curbing excessive alcohol consumption among this demographic. In fact, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that nearly 60% of college students aged 18-22 engage in binge drinking. By lowering the drinking age, young adults would have the opportunity to learn responsible drinking habits in a more controlled environment, rather than engaging in secretive and dangerous behaviors due to the prohibition of alcohol.

Furthermore, lowering the drinking age to 18 would align with the legal age for other adult activities, such as voting, serving in the military, and signing contracts. It is inconsistent and illogical to allow 18-year-olds to make important decisions and take on adult responsibilities, while at the same time denying them the right to consume alcohol responsibly. This incongruity can lead to feelings of resentment and rebellion among young adults, as they are expected to act as mature and responsible citizens in some areas of their lives, but are treated as minors in others.

Additionally, the comparison with other countries that have lower drinking ages provides compelling evidence for the benefits of such a change. In many European countries, the legal drinking age is 18, and these nations have lower rates of alcohol-related problems among young adults. For example, the World Health Organization reports that the rate of alcohol-related traffic fatalities is lower in European countries with a drinking age of 18 compared to the United States. This suggests that lowering the drinking age can lead to a reduction in risky behaviors and negative outcomes associated with alcohol consumption.

In conclusion, lowering the drinking age to 18 is a necessary change that would address the issue of binge drinking among young adults, align with the legal age for other adult activities, and draw from the positive outcomes observed in other countries. By allowing 18-year-olds to consume alcohol in a responsible manner, they would have the opportunity to develop healthy drinking habits and make informed decisions about alcohol. It is time to reevaluate the effectiveness of the current drinking age and consider the potential benefits of lowering it. This change would promote responsible drinking and reduce the negative consequences associated with underage drinking, ultimately leading to a healthier and safer society for all.