Should The Drinking Age Be Lowered

In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, but this has been a topic of debate for many years. There are those who argue that the drinking age should be lowered to 18, aligning it with the legal age for other adult rights and responsibilities. On the other hand, there are those who believe that the legal drinking age should remain at 21, citing concerns about the potential negative impact on public health and safety. This essay will explore the arguments for and against lowering the drinking age, ultimately making the case for why the drinking age should be lowered.

First and foremost, it is important to address the fact that the legal drinking age in the United States is higher than in many other countries. In most European countries, the legal drinking age is 18, and in a few countries, it is even lower. This raises the question of why the United States has chosen to set the legal drinking age at 21. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 required all states to raise their minimum purchase and public possession of alcohol age to 21. The act was passed in response to an increase in alcohol-related traffic fatalities among young people. With the passage of this law, the United States sought to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents and deaths among young people.

While the intentions behind the National Minimum Drinking Age Act were noble, there is evidence to suggest that the law has not had the desired effect. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 21-24 year-olds have the highest prevalence of binge drinking, and the 18-20 year-old age group has the second highest. This indicates that the higher legal drinking age has not deterred young people from consuming alcohol irresponsibly. In fact, it may have had the opposite effect by driving drinking underground and making it more appealing to young people. Lowering the drinking age to 18 would bring it in line with the legal age for other adult rights and responsibilities, such as voting, serving on a jury, and joining the military. It would also allow for more responsible alcohol consumption, as young adults would be able to drink legally in regulated environments such as bars and restaurants.

Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that lowering the drinking age could lead to a reduction in alcohol-related accidents and fatalities. In a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, researchers found that in states where the drinking age was lowered to 18, there was a significant decrease in alcohol-related traffic fatalities among young people. This suggests that when young people are allowed to drink legally, they are more likely to do so in regulated environments and less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking and driving. By lowering the drinking age, the United States could potentially reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents and deaths among young people.

In addition to the potential public health benefits of lowering the drinking age, there are also social and economic implications to consider. Lowering the drinking age would allow young adults to fully participate in social activities that often involve alcohol, such as attending concerts, sporting events, and social gatherings. It would also allow young adults to patronize businesses that serve alcohol, stimulating the economy and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship. By allowing young adults to drink legally, the United States could promote a more responsible and mature drinking culture, ultimately leading to a safer and more vibrant society.

In conclusion, the evidence suggests that the legal drinking age in the United States should be lowered to 18. Doing so would bring the United States in line with other countries and allow for more responsible alcohol consumption among young adults. It would also potentially lead to a reduction in alcohol-related accidents and fatalities, as well as social and economic benefits. By lowering the drinking age, the United States could promote a more mature and responsible drinking culture, ultimately leading to a safer and more vibrant society. It is time for the United States to reconsider its stance on the legal drinking age and make a change for the better.