College students are turning to a risky trend called "BORG" (Blackout Rage Gallons), a drinking challenge that has become popular on social media, especially on TikTok. In 2024, there were 16,500 posts with the hashtag #BORG and some posts had a million views or more.
What is BORG? - BORG drinking made headlines after over 40 students at the University of Massachusetts were hospitalized in 2023 after taking part in a BORG drinking challenge. Students make and carry their own gallon-size container or jug when they go out with friends or to parties and drink from it all night. According to the Partnership to End Addiction, ingredients and methods may vary but there's typically about a fifth of alcohol (usually vodka) mixed with water, flavor-enhancers, electrolytes, and sometimes caffeinated beverages. Liquid could be red, blue, yellow, orange, or green in color. The jug may have a pop-culture phrase written on it in marker. Some popular phrases used are: "Maybe she's BORG with it" - "Breaking BORG" - "Captain Borgan" - "Sponge Borg Square Pants" - Ruth Bader Ginsborg"
Why BORG? - some students say they bring their own jugs to parties or events to prevent someone from spiking their drink. They claim it's a safer drinking experience that makes them more in control and aware of how much alcohol they are consuming. By including electrolytes and water, teens may think this will help them stay better hydrated to prevent a hangover.
False Sense of Security - students claim the homemade BORG helps reduce binge drinking, but experts say the large amount of alcohol in the gallon-size jugs can actually encourage consuming excessive amounts of alcohol over a short period of time. It is considered to be binge drinking when a female consumes the equivalent of 4 or more alcoholic drinks in about 2 hours - or - when a male has the equivalent of 5 or more alcoholic drinks in about 2 hours.
In reality, BORGs contain more alcohol than a standard drink and may encourage teens to overconsume alcohol, become extremely drunk, and reach dangerous levels of alcohol poisoning.
⚠ Risky BORGness:
* High alcohol content leading to alcohol poisoning may require emergency attention
* Combining alcohol, caffeine, and energy drinks can mask effects of alcohol, causing over-drinking
* Serious health consequences like dehydration, blackouts, increased heart/liver rates, poor decision-making
* High alcohol content leading to alcohol poisoning may require emergency attention
* Combining alcohol, caffeine, and energy drinks can mask effects of alcohol, causing over-drinking
* Serious health consequences like dehydration, blackouts, increased heart/liver rates, poor decision-making
Talk to your high school and college-age children about BORGs - share about the risks, set boundaries, and offer support for healthier choices. Stay informed and keep your loved ones safe!
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