Raul Luevano Composition 19 April 2002 Minimal Legal Drinking Age           As of now, the minimal legal drinking age is twenty-one.  In the past it was eighteen, and many felt it should not have changed.  However, evidence has proven that raising the minimum age to twenty-one has been effective in reducing alcohol related problems.  Keeping it there maintains the level of responsibility among adults and reduces alcohol addictions.  It also prevents many alcohol related accidents; therefore, the drinking age should not be lowered and should remain as it is.           At age twenty one, people are old enough to take responsibility for any consequences their actions may bring.  By this age people are usually no longer dependent on their parents and make decisions on their own.  In comparison, eighteen year olds are still too immature to fully understand all the responsibilities that come with drinking.  This is because they are still dependent on others and have never made any critical decisions that might impact their future.           Another reason why the drinking age limit should remain the same is because it prevents alcoholism.  When people begin to drink at such a young age, it is usually a result of peer pressure which is common among teenagers.  Drinking in excess is also a result of peer pressure that can build an alcohol tolerance.  Continuous drinking in large quantities may lead to dependency.  At twenty-one drinking is more of a personal decision than pressure from peers.  If someone begins drinking when they are more mature, there is a better chance of preventing an addiction.           Alcoholism has contributed to many of the crimes and accidents in America.  Since the minimal legal drinking age was moved to twenty-one, there has been a significant decrease in accidents such as car crashes and shootings.  If kept at this age limit, minors can be prevented from involving themselves in situations that might lead to trouble with the law.            Ultimately keeping the level of responsibility among adults, the prevention of alcoholism, and the reduction of accidents are all important reasons why the drinking age limit should not be lowered.  Those who believe it should be lowered have clearly not considered the serious impact teenage drinking can have on society.