Let’s work to keep drinking age at 21
There has been a large amount of controversy since the Minimum Legal Drinking Age Law began, with many arguments presented on both sides. Because this law directly affects the future for youth around the country, it seems vital to base our views on a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Here are some key points to consider that often get left out of discussions.
•Between 1975 and 2005, the Minimum Legal Drinking Age Law saved nearly 25,000 young lives, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
•The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the law has reduced traffic fatalities involving drivers 18 to 20 years old by 13 percent and has saved an estimated 25,509 lives since 1975.
•There are numerous reasons why the drinking age of 21 is imperative and essential for adolescent development. The adolescent brain continues to grow and mature into the early and mid-20s, and drinking alcohol before this can damage the brain. There are significant changes that occur in the body and brain during this time and being exposed to alcohol can cause cognitive and memory impairment and behavioral issues.
•Research shows that adolescents who began drinking at an earlier age had proportionately smaller hippocampus volumes compared to those who began later, suggesting that the differences in size were alcohol induced, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
•Early alcohol use may have long-lasting consequences. People who begin drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence at some time in their lives compared to those who have their first drink at 21 or older, according to the Washington State Department of Social and Human Services.
Various states are still attacking one of the most studied, most effective anti-underage drinking laws ever – the 21 minimum drinking age. Awareness and education of the devastating effects of underage drinking need to be addressed to save our children and their future.
The information above shows that the 21 drinking age is effective and needed to help prevent underage drinking and to ultimately reduce alcohol-related fatalities while helping youth reach their full potential. I encourage you to take action and support efforts to sustain this law for the benefit of our youth and entire country.