The growing popularity of alcohol is one of many community problems, especially among those under twenty-one. Underage alcohol consumption is a complex problem that has emerged in society. Legislative laws restrict alcohol consumption to youth under the age of twenty-one. Although many teens begin drinking during their high school years and continue throughout college. Additionally, the percentage of underage drinkers in the United States is increasing at a tremendous rate. It may seem normal to many people. However, drinking at a young age can have dramatic effects not only on consumers, but also on communities. Therefore, underage alcohol abuse should be reduced through more effective strategies to prevent adverse effects. Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Act in 1984. It prohibited all states from allowing any purchase, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under twenty-one. Extensive lobbying by public campaigns such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) made the passage of this law possible. However, most states still allow underage drinking under certain circumstances. .< Eight different exceptions to the legal drinking age. >1. In private premises where alcohol is not sold, with parental consent (29 states)2. In private premises, where alcohol is not sold, without parental consent (6 states)3. For religious purposes (26 states)4. For medical purposes (16 states)5. For Government Work Related Purposes (4 states)6. For educational purposes (11 states)7. When reporting medical necessity due to alcohol consumption by a minor to another minor (17 states and DC)8. In places selling alcohol, with parental approval (10 states) With the exception of th...... middle of paper ......among drinkers, those who got drunk for the first time before 13-year-olds were twice as likely to have unplanned sex and more than twice as likely to have unprotected sex. Considering all the effects, drinking alcohol at a young age can not only ruin the life of the consumer, but also destroys the lives of others. Frequent alcohol consumption poses a number of potential health risks. This is more critical for the young body that is still growing. New research has shown that alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on the physical development of the brain structure. Young people who were influenced by drinking early were unable to perform as well as non-drinkers on memory tests. Additionally, early drinkers may experience a direct effect on brain functioning. The negative effect includes a decrease in planning ability and executive functions, memory, spatial operations and attention.