Underage Drinking Pros And Cons Essay

There is extreme controversy over the topic of establishing a policy to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18. Underage drinking is currently a very prevalent issue in the United States, so this political problem has a great impact on public health issues as well. There are approximately 5,000 underage adolescents that die from car wrecks, other injuries, homicides and suicides that are associated with underage drinking ("APIS - Highlight on Underage Drinking"). Laws restricting access to alcohol by youth was enacted in the 20th century and by 1933 the 18th amendment held restrictions on consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages by youth ("APIS - Highlight on Underage Drinking"). At one point the drinking age was lowered from 21 to 18, however there was research that linked lower drinking ages to increased cases of alcohol-related car wrecks ("APIS - Highlight on Underage Drinking"). By 1984 congress enacted the national minimum drinking age act which is still in effect ("APIS - Highlight on Underage Drinking"). There have been several dollars put into preventing underage drinking as well as keeping today’s youth healthy and aware of the effects of alcohol and drug use. The possible pros and cons to this issue are further discussed. …show more content…
Allowing young adults of ages 18 and 19 to drink in controlled environments and with more adult supervision can result in mature and sensible drinking behaviors (Engs). It’s been stated that many decisions and responsibilities arise at the age of 18 such as: having the chance to join the military, buying and smoking cigarettes, being able to vote, and severe on juries (Engs). Those in favor believe that if at the age of 18 one is capable of making all of these decisions and putting their lives at risk they should be able to make decisions about their own alcohol