Alcohol Risk

Alcohol Risk

        The United States has been facing a serious national problem with underage drinking.

The national law on the minimum legal age for alcohol consumption was declared on July 17,

1984 by the United States Congress as a system for all states who want to legislate and amend

the minimum age for consumption and possession of alcoholic alcohol from age 21. This law has

caused controversy for years. Should the legal age for alcohol consumption be lowered to 18,

when alcohol used by young people can be very dangerous?

        Many opponents to the lowering of the legal age for alcohol can argue that it will result in

more alcohol related accidents. According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), 1 in 4

car crashes with teenagers involve an underage drunk driver. Car accidents are the leading cause

of deaths in teenagers. States that increased the legal drinking age to 21 saw a 16% decline in

motor vehicle crashes.

        According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking by those

below the age 21 are linked to death by alcohol. MADD states the 4,300 people are killed each

year due to teen alcohol use, more than all other drugs combined. This also causes alcohol

dependence later in life.

        Lowering the minimum legal drinking age would also medically irresponsible. Alcohol

can interfere with changes in brain development. When alcohol interferes with early adult brain

development the potential for chronic problem arises. Underage drinking is linked to risky

behavior, depression, suicide, and violence.

        Alcohol is a dangerous substance. People under the age of 21 do not have the