Introduction
The debate on lowering the drinking age from 21 years to 18 years in the United States has been going on for years. Many argue that if an 18-year-old is eligible to vote, join the army, get married, and sign contracts, then they are also old enough to have a beer (Miron 321). For years, drinking has been part of people’s life. Those who are against lowering the drinking age argue that those below 21 years are not old enough to understand what drinking responsibly entails (Carpenter 98). They are therefore more likely to harm themselves and others. Those in support of lowering the drinking age to 18 years reason that the 21 years minimum drinking age has not stopped teen drinking. It has instead led to underage drinking in an uncontrolled environment increasing the risk of unhealthy and life-endangering behavior among teens (Carpenter 99). It is for these reasons that the drinking age should be lowered to 18 years to enable control of those drinking to ensure they are responsible and do not cause harm to themselves and others.
Lowering the drinking age from 21 years to 18 years will promote safe drinking. The drinking age has led to thousands of arrests each year and deprives people of their freedom. The law has caused a lot of harm, injustice and it is ineffective in ensuring that those who are below 21 years do not drink. Each year, the drinking age ruins or disrupts hundreds of lives that it is supposed to save. For example, in the year 2015, a report released by the FBI showed that the police arrested 163000 under the age of 21 for being intoxicated (Reams 11). Underage drinkers face consequences such as jail time, fines, and revocation of their driving licenses. In addition to this, those in college may face suspension, loss of financial aid, or expulsion. Bar attendants may lose their jobs if underage drinking happens under their watch. Parents may also lose custody of their children if found serving alcohol to their 18-year-old children. It is for these reasons that the drinking age should be lowered to 18 years as they are old enough to learn how to drink moderately under control.
Another reason why the drinking age should be lowered is that it has not contributed significantly to saving lives as expected. Saving lives is one of the most used excuses as to why the drinking age should not be lowered. Raising the drinking age from 18 years to 21 years in 1984 only moved drunk driving deaths from one age group to the other (Datta 123). The real cause of drunk driving death is being an inexperienced drinker and not being under the age of 21. Also, there was no long-term effect on the rate of alcohol-related deaths. Alcohol-related deaths are significantly affected by societal factors and have nothing to do with it being illegal (Otte 2). Another problem is the 21 years drinking age leads to bad habits as many engage in secret drinking. It is psychologically unhealthy as it leads to depression, negative thought patterns, and anxiety (Otte 3). To avoid such consequences, the drinking age should be lowered.
Conclusion
Lowering the drinking age would promote safe drinking under supervision for those between the age of 18 to 20 years. it would also reduce accidents related to alcohol as many underage drinkers will not seek medical help as they are afraid of the legal consequences. It is also important to note that at the age of 18, one is allowed to vote, join the army, buy tobacco, and marry (Otte 3). It is an indication that they are mature and should, therefore, be allowed to purchase alcohol.
