Why The Drinking Age Should Stay At 21

Should the legal age for alcohol consumption be lowered? In the United States, The legal drinking age is 21, but in my research, I have found that it is actually allowed, under certain circumstances and situations, to people of even lower age. Though all 50 US states have set their minimum drinking age to 21, exceptions do exist on a state-by-state basis for consumption at home, under adult supervision, for medical necessity, and other reasons. In fact, all but 5 states, Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire, and West Virginia, under age drinking is permitted. Parents are allowed to furnish alcohol to minors if they are under proper supervision. Also bartenders are allowed to drink at 20 years old, which is the lowest legal bartending age.

There has been a wide debate over whether or not the drinking age should be lowered from the age of twenty one to the age of eighteen, to lower the drinking age, with the hopes that it will prevent binge drinking of college students. Parents and guardians disagree and think lowering the drinking age will just result in a lower age binge drinking in high school students instead. While there are many negative sides to both of this argument, it is important that it be discussed instead of throwing it to the side. There are many solutions that can be made to prevent all of the negative things that could happen if the minimum drinking age was lowered, and if so then we need to start allowing our now considered adults to start to start drinking alcohol legally.

Imagine seeing a loved one being in a drunk driving accident, now imagine them being the drunk driver. All of this could have been avoided if the drinking age was not lowered, but some may disagree. Many people believe that if the drinking age were lowered, these problems would no longer be an issue. But many also believe that the problem would just become worse and maybe even cause greater issues. Lowering the drinking age could also cause problems like violent behavior, and intoxication. Also drinking could cause more problems in schools and workplaces. The drinking age should not be lowered from 21, it would not solve the problems and with anything it would make it worse.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 1 in 10 teens in high school drink and drive. This is a lot. The CDC also states that young drivers are 17 times more likely to die in a crash when they have a blood alcohol level of .08 or above compared to when they haven’t been drinking; however, there is still some good news. Teen drinking

In the United States, turning 18 is a huge step for people as it marks individuals entering the adult world. At that age they are considered an adult in society. Open to more liberties, these young adults can drive, vote, join the military, and die for their country; however, they cannot possess or purchase alcohol. The current minimum legal drinking age, also known as MLDA, in America is 21. Numerous debates still occur today about the minimum drinking age. A poll taken on July 2014 asked the public opinion of US adults for lowering the US legal drinking age from 21 to 18. Approximately 74% of the people opposed the idea, whereas roughly 25% of the people supported the idea ("Public Opinion" 1). The statistics indicate satisfaction among the majority of the people; however, with the current laws many issues arise that must be addressed concerning alcohol use. For starters, studies show an increase of dangerous drinking habits among young adults (Hall 2). In addition, the enforcement of the drinking laws and education on alcohol is insubstantial (Moyse, Fonder 3). Society places laws to protect individuals. The rise of alcohol abuse raises the question if the minimum legal drinking age of 21 secures protection of the people. With proper enforcement of drinking laws in addition to education about alcohol, the minimum legal drinking age of 18 provides a safer drinking culture.

Military and put their lives on the line, but still cannot purchase an alcoholic beverage. When in the military the legal drinking age is the same as the state they are located in, but it was not always like this. In the article “Drinking Age in the Military” it was stated that, “In the mid-80s, advocacy groups, such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunken Drivers) lobbied Congress to change this. Federal law (United States Code, Title 10, Section 2683) requires military installation commanders to adopt the same drinking age as the state the military base is located in” (Powers). Most individuals would agree that once you join the military you have a lot more responsibilities and become more mature. It is always risky going into the military because anything could truly happen, but if someone is legally an adult and willing to die for other citizens lives, then that person should be able to have the option to drink an alcoholic beverage if they please. In the article “Should the Drinking Age Be….” it was said that, “Young Adults cannot help the fact that alcohol is an enjoyable activity. Eighteen to twenty year old adults should not be denied that enjoyment when other pleasurable activities are legal..” Not only are men and women allowed to risk their own lives for the United States, but also are allowed to vote and still cannot be considered a “mature” adult. If individuals over the age of eighteen are able to have a small

According to Alexis Aguirre, a journalist at the Texas State University Star, “The legal drinking age should be lowered to 18. Once 18, a person is legally considered an adult and should be able to drink.” A person becomes legally emancipated at the age of 18. Emancipation is when one is considered an adult in the eyes of the law. Some “perks” of being an adult include: the right to get married, buy a house, or be charged as an adult in a court of law. Proponents of lowering the drinking age may say if one can buy a house, why can he not buy a alcoholic beverage? According to the same article, “If I want to vote democrat, I can. If I want to ink up my body, I can. If I want to fill my lungs with smoke, I can do that too. Going wine tasting with some friends, however, is somehow too far.” Aguirre also

The drinking age is at 21 but, some are voting to bring down to 18. The drinking age starts at 21 for a reason and needs to stay where it is. Alcohol is poisonous at any age but, it can be more harmful to a developing brain and a teenager finding a new life. It’s extremely easy to numb the annoyance of life with alcohol and many people have become addicted to the escape. In this country our children are not ready to drink at 18, we have a different system and different children.

Driving, drinking alcohol and even serving in the military are just a few things that young adults/kids can’t wait to be able to do. But, are you old enough? Eighteen year olds can serve in the military but when they come home they can’t have a beer. Should the drinking age be lowered? I believe so. However, others disagree with this because of the impacts it could have on young adult’s lives such as brain development and safety.

There are moves to lower the drinking age, however. many proponents think 18 is a good number, considering that teenagers at this age are practically considered adults. in fact, they think it is hilarious that an 18 year old can marry, vote, join the military or buy guns, but can 't buy or drink alcohol, which is probably the easiest thing anyone can do, as opposed to getting married and choosing the next president. Well, they should be happy now the rule has been amended, since the law to lower legal drinking age to 18, which was signed by President Obama, has taken effect last June 4, 2015.

Why drinking age should be lowered? If one is considered an adult at age eighteen in most of the country, are they not allowed to purchase and legally consume alcohol? The minimum legal drinking age needs to be lowered, and not just for that reason. The amount of teenagers with drinking problems and alcoholism is far greater than in Europe, where drinking ages are far lower. Also, studies show that the current minimum age drinking laws have been ineffective to a high degree. By the time they are high school seniors, seventy-two percent teenagers say they have already consumed alcohol. Proper education at younger ages is needed for our country’s youth to learn the proper use of alcohol through experimentation with their own limits in safe environments.

In the United States, and eleven other countries, the legal drinking age is set at twenty-one. Even though there are several viable reasons why it’s illegal to drink before age twenty-one, many people in the United States believe it to be unjust that it’s not legal to consume alcohol when reaching the standard adult age of eighteen. As appealing as this privilege may seem, by changing the law, we would be overlooking the many dangers that drinking alcohol at a younger age can cause.

77% of American population opposes a federal law that lowers the drinking age in all states to age 18. However, there are people who truly believe that MLDA should be lowered to 18.

and adults should have the right to make their own decisions about alcohol consumption. I feel that this is a good argument but, this is what I say, while eighteen year olds have the right to vote, in many others respects they have not reached adulthood. Biologically, their brains are still developing, few support themselves economically, and most importantly many lack the emotional maturity and judgement to use alcohol safely (Drinking Age). Even though they are old enough to fight for our country is doesn’t mean they are mature enough to handle alcohol correctly. Especially when he or she is put in stressful environments. It can cause depression and he or she can develop criminal behavior which can lead to death. It has been shown that when the drinking age is lowered teens increase drinking. When Arizona lowered their age to nineteen, teenage drinking increased by thirty-five percent. Car accidents have been known to come from alcohol and research has proven that with the age being twenty-one, suicides, DUIS, and crime rate have decreased

Drinking has gone on for thousands of years, dating back to biblical and Roman times. It was seen as a tradition, and even now in other cultures around the world it is too, but in the United States it is not as prevalent. Most Americans do not view drinking as a religious act and abuse alcohol. Even for those who are considered social drinkers do not overindulge and excessively drink. They know what their limit is and tend to stop. Some religions encourage alcohol consumption, while others despise it. Not all drinking in religion is seen as very ceremonial or a tradition. “Buddhism… generally states that nothing should be taken that will alter the natural state of the body. Islam, on the other hand, teaches that the consumption of alcohol is