21-only law also benefits students’ health

I asked my local physician colleagues their opinions of Iowa City's 21-only ordinance. A rational and objective review of the beneficial effects of this policy on the health of the community has led the majority of the physicians to support the ordinance and encourage its continuation.

Underage drinking impacts brain structure and function because adolescent brain development continues throughout the 20s. Underage drinkers are more likely to experience blackouts, develop alcohol dependence, cause property damage, get in trouble with police and injure themselves or someone else. Underage drinking is associated with approximately 5,000 deaths annually (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Access facilitates underage drinking in both practical ways (more access leads to greater opportunity) and indirect ways (social norms that underage drinking is “normal and expected”). Governmental experts, including the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, urge communities to endorse policies to reduce access.

Retention of the 21-only ordinance will continue to have a positive impact on reducing access to those under the legal drinking age of 21, thus reducing their health risks and keeping our community safer.

Dr. Victoria Sharp

President,

Johnson County Medical Society