US Drinking Age Lowered to 18

You're already an adult at 18 in the US

Many people under 21 already experiment in drinking alcohol

7.1 million Americans between 12-20 years old report current alcohol consumption

Earlier exposure can inform people more on alcohol and its effects

Many countries have the drinking age lowered to 18

Earlier exposure can prompt more comprehensive information about alcohol at a younger age

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https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htmhttps://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/minimum-legal-drinking-age.htmhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4682731/

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Drinking alcohol is an enjoyable activity

Many activities involve drinking such as parties, going out to eat, and casually being with friends or family

80% of teens drink to have fun with friends

Can help make new friendships and strengthen old ones

Moderate drinking can have benefits

Can aid in reducing heart disease

Can aid in reducing ischemic strokes

Could give high schoolers and middle schoolers easier access to alcohol

18 year old's are still in high school, therefore knowing younger adolescents

can experience physical and sexual assault

can also cause physical illnesses such as a hangover

Underage drinking can result in social and school problems

failing or poor grades

lack of participation in youth activities

Increased binge drinking

90% of alcohol consumed by underage drinkers is binge drinking (5 or more drinks per occasion)

unintentional injuries

can lead to alcohol poisoning

Drinking more in a short period of time since people don't feel drunk yet.

Increased violence including sexual violence, intimate partner violence, suicide and homicide

can cause learning and memory problems