Let’s Not Go That Low
Alcohol consumptions kills nearly 88,000 people annually(NIAAA). These deaths are preventable by not being intoxicating while driving, or not excessively drinking and damaging your body. The drinking age in the United States today is 21 years of age or older, anyone younger than this is breaking the law with some exceptions. Although it has not always been set at this age. Alcohol has had issues with the government for decades. In the 1920’s the government banned the consumption of liquor, beer, anything with alcohol. After the prohibition era, the government knew they couldn’t outlaw the consumption of alcohol. Instead the government repealed the 18th amendment with the 21st amendment which allowed each state set their …show more content…
It causes disease, change in behavior, delirium, shakiness, and many other symptoms. If a regular adult that is of drinking age has these symptoms why would we allow civilians that are 18, who are not yet mentally fully developed have access to it. Alcohol consumption within adolescents is dangerous to their developing minds which also is a part of the previous problem stated of why college student’s grades are lower. “Exposing the brain to alcohol [when underage] may interrupt key processes of brain development, possibly leading to impairment” and difficulties with memory (Alcohol Alert). Consumption at such a young age can cause suicidal thoughts because of the stress and depression of the drink. About 37% of eighth grade girls have attempted suicide with alcohol being a major factor (NIAAA). Having the drinking age lowered will not only incline the stats for suicidal thoughts/accidents but as well as physical damages like liver disease. Of the ages 12 and up in 2013 about 72,559 had liver disease and died. Liver disease cause by alcohol consumption is the number one reason for liver transplants in the United States alone. If the government allows 18 year olds to purchase and consume it, there will be a higher risk of liver disease and transplants. Teaching the youth to not drink will decrease the risk of having alcoholism in the future. People who tend to drink at a young age and themselves having depression and sickness later in their lives. Leaving the drinking age as it is now will not increase any of these problems that alcohols contributes
Alcohol consumptions kills nearly 88,000 people annually(NIAAA). These deaths are preventable by not being intoxicating while driving, or not excessively drinking and damaging your body. The drinking age in the United States today is 21 years of age or older, anyone younger than this is breaking the law with some exceptions. Although it has not always been set at this age. Alcohol has had issues with the government for decades. In the 1920’s the government banned the consumption of liquor, beer, anything with alcohol. After the prohibition era, the government knew they couldn’t outlaw the consumption of alcohol. Instead the government repealed the 18th amendment with the 21st amendment which allowed each state set their …show more content…
It causes disease, change in behavior, delirium, shakiness, and many other symptoms. If a regular adult that is of drinking age has these symptoms why would we allow civilians that are 18, who are not yet mentally fully developed have access to it. Alcohol consumption within adolescents is dangerous to their developing minds which also is a part of the previous problem stated of why college student’s grades are lower. “Exposing the brain to alcohol [when underage] may interrupt key processes of brain development, possibly leading to impairment” and difficulties with memory (Alcohol Alert). Consumption at such a young age can cause suicidal thoughts because of the stress and depression of the drink. About 37% of eighth grade girls have attempted suicide with alcohol being a major factor (NIAAA). Having the drinking age lowered will not only incline the stats for suicidal thoughts/accidents but as well as physical damages like liver disease. Of the ages 12 and up in 2013 about 72,559 had liver disease and died. Liver disease cause by alcohol consumption is the number one reason for liver transplants in the United States alone. If the government allows 18 year olds to purchase and consume it, there will be a higher risk of liver disease and transplants. Teaching the youth to not drink will decrease the risk of having alcoholism in the future. People who tend to drink at a young age and themselves having depression and sickness later in their lives. Leaving the drinking age as it is now will not increase any of these problems that alcohols contributes