To Lower or Not to Lower the Legal Drinking Age to 18,...

Every year thousands of young adults attend college with the hope of expanding their career opportunities, but are these young adults doing more than studying and homework? A new study suggests that binge drinking is on the rise among college students (Eisenberg n.p.). With an increase of alcohol consumption by underage drinkers, it only seems logical to lower the drinking age to prevent binge drinking, however there are far more consequences to be seen. Lowering the drinking age to 18 will not solve the binge drinking problem among college students but will cause more problems. In this paper I will explain the reason why lowering the drinking age will not stop binge drinking and the adverse effects this could have. Students who begin†¦show more content†¦Because drinking affects the mind, suicide among young adults would increase ( Alcantara 468). Lowering the drinking age will increase peer pressure to consume more alcohol and lead to binge drinking. College provides the perfect environment for peer pressure. Often times having fun at college means alcohol will be involved. It can be hard not to fall in that trap of wanting to fit in when your roommate and buddies are drinking. â€Å"Peer effects on binge drinking are robust, regardless of gender and prior drinking† (Eisenberg n.p.). Peer pressure can not only affect 18 year old college students but younger students as well. Peer pressure may lead to the selling of alcohol to students younger than 18. 18 year olds could very easily buy alcohol for a younger student (Alcantara 468). Younger peers would have more success with a fake idea for 18 than 21(Alcantara 468). The number of young binge drinkers would increase because of easier access. â€Å"Alcohol is one for the most used and abused drugs among teenagers in the U.S.†(Alcantara). Lowering the drinking age will not prevent binge drinking because people who are of age are prone to binge drinking. College students are not the only drinkers who binge (Evensen 465). Up to 70 percent of excessive drinking episodes happen among those 26 and older, this age is sixShow MoreRelatedWhy Lowering The Drinking Age Is A Good Idea?. Lowering1627 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Drinking Age is a Good Idea? Lowering the drinking age to 18 in the United States has been a source of controversy in recent years. It has been a controversial topic because many people disagree, while many agree with the topic. For example, the people who disagree and are against lowering the drinking age to 18 believe we should not lower the drinking age because 18 year old individuals are not responsible enough to drink alcohol. While, the people who agree we should lower the drinking ageRead MoreDrinking Age Annotated Bibliography Essay969 Words   |  4 PagesChange the Age to Save the Lives The legal drinking age in the United States is the only age that is above 19 years of age. 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