The United States has one of the highest drinking ages in the world. Many students argue against this and say that the age should be lowered. However, I believe that the drinking age in the U.S should remain twenty-one. Drinking alcohol at an early age can cause brain damage, alcohol-related deaths and later alcohol addictions.

Alcohol affects everyone differently. Adolescents are more sensitive compared to adults. Drinking at an early age can harm your body and cause future problems.

The list of effects that alcohol has is on going. They can include depression, anxiety, central nervous system problems, kidney damage, liver disease, brain cell damage, dehydration, drop in testosterone levels and high blood pressure. Alcohol interferes with the development of the frontal lobes. These help distinguish and control emotions that are important for functioning. When this part of the brain gets damaged, as adults, these teens will be at greater risk to developing addictions and risky behavior like suicide connected to depression.

There is no healthy outcome of drinking alcohol no matter what the age. However, alcohol users under the age of 21 will have a higher chance of experiencing health issues because they have been drinking for a longer period of time.

Driving under the influence of alcohol can be very hazardous also. Many teenagers don’t understand the power of alcohol until it is too late. If they have no other alternative method of transportation to get back to home, some make the wrong decision to drive themselves or to ride with someone else under the influence.

Most teenagers under the age of eighteen do not have any major responsibility. Some have jobs, and others may look after siblings, but besides school, they do not have any other major commitments. Once in college, most concentrate on part-time jobs and classes. When you are over the age of 21, your job becomes your main priority. That is why drinking won’t be on your list of common activities because your schedule is filled up.

However teenagers don’t have such a full schedule, so they might consume alcohol more often.

Teenagers are not yet fully responsible and do not understand the consequences of alcohol. Adults have a lot more responsibilities and have more knowledge than teenagers.

Although teenagers have the right to vote, get married, adopt a child and join the military at 18, allowing them to legally consume alcohol will negatively affect the decisions they have to make. Teenagers who just entered the world of adulthood will make unwise decisions that can influence the future of others.

Therefore, the U.S drinking age should not be lowered.