" It also makes the adult feel dangerous and alive. The simple fact that they are getting away with something that is illegal. If parents could allow their children to not abuse alcohol and to be responsible drivers, earlier in life they might be more responsible as life goes on. If parents were given the chance to teach his or her child the responsibilities of drinking at a younger age, that child may grow up understanding and respecting the responsibilities of drinking. If people had been taught at an earlier age, then possibly they might have more respect and responsibility for the substance that is meant to be consumed maturely. Alcohol abuse goes on quite often on college campuses regardless of ones age. Many problems related to alcohol use among college students is in direct correlation to the national drinking age in this country. It is more likely that if college students are able to drink at a younger age, their parents might have been more able to teach them the responsibility of the substance that could cause great problems. Due to the lack of responsibility those under the age of 21 are more likely to be heavy - sometimes called "binge" - drinkers. The increase in abusive drinking behavior is due to "underground drinking" outside of adult supervision in student rooms and apartments where same age individuals congregate and because of lack of knowledge of responsible drinking behaviors. Who says that a 21 year-old is mature enough to consume alcohol in a responsible manner? Eighteen year-old individuals can take on many adult responsibilities, but they do not have the right to consume alcohol. At the age of eighteen, an individual can vote, serve on a jury, stay out without a curfew, leave home, drive, smoke, buy weapons, engage in financial contracts, fornicate, start a family, be sent to adult prison, can be tried as an adult and even put to death, join the army, and die for this country; but cannot consume alcoholic beverages, according to www.