Changing the Legal Drinking Age: Pros and Cons
The legal minimum drinking age in the United States is 21. But one is considered an adult at the age of 18. There has been an ongoing debate regarding lowering the drinking age once again to 18.
According to Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, Researchers have found a link between a lower drinking age and binge drinking: “Men who grew up in states with a legal drinking age lower than 21 were 19 percent more likely to binge drink more than once per month.”
A non-profit organization, Choose Responsibility, argues U. S. citizens are considered adults at the age of 18 years old and should be allowed full rights, including the sole exception, the drinking age. It has been proposed in many states to allow members of the military to drink legally under the age of 21.
The current policy has caused underage drinkers to drink privately leading them to drive in order to remain covert, according to University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Underage drinkers often intake a harmful amount with in a binge drinking episode.
According to a 2007 Gallup Poll, 77 percent of Americans object to lowering the drinking age.
In a study conducted by William DeJong, a professor at Boston University’s School of Public Health, it was found the lower drinking age saves the lives of 900 underage drivers annually.
Dejong also says that other country’s results from lowering the drinking age should act as a warning. According to DeJong, New Zealand lowered their drinking age in 1999 from 20 to 18.
“Once they did that they saw an immediate uptick in alcohol-related traffic crashes and other alcohol problems,” says DeJong.
Our own country acts as an example of caution. In 1984, the drinking age varied depending on state. It caused many issues including people crossing state lines in order to be considered of age.
Former English teacher Frank Balistreri said he has visited many countries with lower drinking ages, such as Ireland, England, Venezuela, Korea, Brazil, Austria, and the Netherlands. He claims the main difference is the availability and use of quality mass transit. Driving is removed from the equation. The problem in America is that teenagers drive.
“In at least Ireland and Austria they were drinking with their parents. I think it’s complicated. It is dumb that you aren’t a full adult at a certain age.” Balistreri said.
