The Effects of Underage Drinking

Every year, thousands of minors die from the use of alcohol. Many young adults abuse the drinking age policy. It is put in effect for substantial reasons, which contribute in making the safest environment for all. Drinking underage is not only illegal, but also damages one’s health tremendously. Furthermore, drinking in large amounts is extremely dangerous and can cause detrimental things to occur. There have been numerous attempts to create a law to lower the drinking age, but none have gone through. In contrast to what some people may say, the drinking age should not be lowered because it would decrease maturity, promote poor behavior, and damage reputations.

If the drinking age is lowered, the maturity in people would decrease. From various sources, it is stated that “The [minimum legal drinking age] should stay at 21 because people tend to be more mature and responsible at 21 than 18” (ProCon.org). At the age of twenty one, one has experienced more life situations than an eighteen year old has, making the twenty one year old a more responsible human being. It is also proven that “Raising the drinking age has apparently increased responsibility among young people. Compared to 1980 when less than 21 was the norm, fewer college students in 1995 reported drinking in the past month (68% vs. 82%) and binge drinking (39% vs. 44%)” (Egendorf 110). Younger adults tend to be less mature about drinking than older adults would. Moreover, if the drinking age is decreased, then people would drink irresponsibly. When teenagers get intoxicated, the results can lead to immaturity and unawareness of their surroundings. Therefore, they create harm toward others.

Being drunk causes peoples’ brains to not function normally and impacts their acti...

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...ual activity, and other irresponsible behavior due to lack of maturity” (ProCon.org). Lowering the drinking age causes lack of maturity in young adults. Thus, the lack of maturity feeds into people performing bad acts that change their lives forever.

If the drinking age were to decrease, it would decrease the maturity among young adults, influence bad decisions to be made that lead to injuries, and it would damage one’s reputation. 18 year olds cannot handle the legal privilege of being able to drink. It is a huge responsibility that young adults are not capable of doing. Having the drinking age settled at 21 would reduce the number of drinking and driving accidents and make a good representation to America for responsible drinking. Overall, drinking can go many ways, but maintaining the legal drinking age at 21 would influence more safe and responsible drinking.