Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Monday, October 5, 2009

Commentary: Drinking age of 21 saves lives
By Toben F. Nelson, Traci L. Toomey and co-authors

The national policy that set a minimum legal drinking age of 21 is being questioned by a group of 35 college and university presidents through an effort called the Amethyst Initiative.

In a September 16
commentary on CNN.com, Amethyst Initiative leader John McCardell, a ormer president of Middlebury College, proposes lowering the drinking age, which he suggests ill lead to less drinking and related problems among college students.

History and a comprehensive review of the research tell a much different story. The evidence is lear, consistent and compelling: A drinking age of 21 has led to less drinking, fewer injuries and fewer deaths.

In the 1970s when many states reduced their drinking ages, drinking-related deaths among young people increased. When the drinking age of 21 was restored, deaths declined. This effect is not simply a historical artifact explained by advances in safety technology and other policies. . . . . . .



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