The 'blackout rage gallon' or BORG, is a latest trend among youngsters in the US who are indulging in drinking an alcoholic concoction prepared in a gallon-sized plastic jug. Health experts have issued a warning on this dangerous drinking trend, which has been popularised by college students in the US.
According to the National Capital Poison Center in the US, the term BORG refers to a vodka concoction prepared in the gallon-sized jug. It typically contains vodka or a distilled alcohol, mixed with flavour flavour enhancers, an electrolyte powder or drink and water.
BORG drinking usually takes place during day parties, popularly known as "darties". However, experts suggest that consuming such a concoction can be "life-threatening" as it has far more alcohol compared to other ingredients.
Also read: World Whiskey Day | 7 lesser-known brands that are gaining popularity around the world
"Borg drinking is popular among some college students, but consumption of the high amounts of alcohol often found in borgs can cause harmful health effects, similar to those resulting from heavy alcohol use or binge drinking," the National Capital Poison Center states on its official website.
Consuming BORG has become popular among young Americans, who look for a customisable and "safe group drinking experience". Reports suggest that those consuming a BORG have claimed it is associated with a "decreased risk of drink spiking and spread of infectious diseases," as it is for single-person consumption.
Multiple social media platforms have videos depicting ways of making BORGs. In most of these videos, users can be seen taking a gallon-sized bottle of water and adding up to a fifth of vodka, along with water, flavour enhancers, and electrolyte powder.
Also read: Magic Moments is world No.7 among vodkas after annual sales of six million cases, says Radico Khaitan
Why have experts warned agains BORGs
Health experts have issued a warning on the new age dangerous BORG drinking trend. Dr Anna Lembke, a professor of psychiatry and addiction medicine at Stanford University in California, told CNN that there is so much alcohol in a BORG that "drinking one can lead to potentially life-threatening consumption and alcohol poisoning".
Sabrina Grimaldi of online lifestyle magazine The Zillennial Zine has termed it as a new version of the jungle juice. As the name suggests, "it's intended to get you extremely drunk", Grimaldi noted. Nonetheless, Dr Lembke highlighted BORG's "social contagion factor" and noted that children see others doing it and then feel like trying it themselves. "That's another real danger here — to take a dangerous deviant behaviour — and normalise it by spreading it on social media," she added.
According to the National Capital Poison Center in the US, the term BORG refers to a vodka concoction prepared in the gallon-sized jug. It typically contains vodka or a distilled alcohol, mixed with flavour flavour enhancers, an electrolyte powder or drink and water.
BORG drinking usually takes place during day parties, popularly known as "darties". However, experts suggest that consuming such a concoction can be "life-threatening" as it has far more alcohol compared to other ingredients.
Also read: World Whiskey Day | 7 lesser-known brands that are gaining popularity around the world
"Borg drinking is popular among some college students, but consumption of the high amounts of alcohol often found in borgs can cause harmful health effects, similar to those resulting from heavy alcohol use or binge drinking," the National Capital Poison Center states on its official website.
What is a 'BORG'?
Consuming BORG has become popular among young Americans, who look for a customisable and "safe group drinking experience". Reports suggest that those consuming a BORG have claimed it is associated with a "decreased risk of drink spiking and spread of infectious diseases," as it is for single-person consumption.
Multiple social media platforms have videos depicting ways of making BORGs. In most of these videos, users can be seen taking a gallon-sized bottle of water and adding up to a fifth of vodka, along with water, flavour enhancers, and electrolyte powder.
Also read: Magic Moments is world No.7 among vodkas after annual sales of six million cases, says Radico Khaitan
Why have experts warned agains BORGs
Health experts have issued a warning on the new age dangerous BORG drinking trend. Dr Anna Lembke, a professor of psychiatry and addiction medicine at Stanford University in California, told CNN that there is so much alcohol in a BORG that "drinking one can lead to potentially life-threatening consumption and alcohol poisoning".
Sabrina Grimaldi of online lifestyle magazine The Zillennial Zine has termed it as a new version of the jungle juice. As the name suggests, "it's intended to get you extremely drunk", Grimaldi noted. Nonetheless, Dr Lembke highlighted BORG's "social contagion factor" and noted that children see others doing it and then feel like trying it themselves. "That's another real danger here — to take a dangerous deviant behaviour — and normalise it by spreading it on social media," she added.
Note To Readers
Note: Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health. Drink responsibly.
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
