LOWERING THE LEGAL
DRINKING AGE TO 18
IN THE UNITED STATES
Decreased Safety
Among Young
Adults
Increased Premature
Mortality Rates
Drunk Driving
Accident Deaths
Death by Suicide
Alcohol Overdoses/
Alcohol Poisoning
Increase in
Nonfatal Injury
Emergency Department
Visits
Inpatient
Hospital Stays
Increase in
Binge Drinking
Violence
Intimate Partner
Violence
Sexual Assault
Unintended Pregnancy
Chronic Diseases
High Blood Pressure
Stroke
Heart Disease
Liver Disease
Cancer
Breast Cancer
Liver Cancer
Colon Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Memory/Learning
Problems
Increase in
Crime and
Arrests
Nuisance Crimes
Vandalism
Disorderly Conduct
Violent Crimes
Assault
Armed Robbery
Property Crimes
Theft
Trespassing
Boost the
Country's
Economy
Increased Revenue
for Private Businesses
More Attendance
to Bars
More Alcohol Purchases
from Restaurants
Increased Revenue for
Alcohol Companies
Increased Government
Tax Revenue
More Jobs for Employees
to Work at These Companies