Each April since 1987, the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) has sponsored Alcohol Awareness Month to increase public awareness and understanding, reduce stigma and encourage local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. One of our goals is also to try to raise awareness of the dangers of misusing alcohol. This year, I want to start by talking about a binge drinking trend that has been hitting the news.
B.O.R.G.
Recently, the term B.O.R.G. (Black Out Rage Gallon) has been making headlines for both the dangers and the defenses of this trend. B.O.R.G.s are put together in an empty plastic gallon jug. Ingredients include the user’s choice of alcohol and a variety of water, artificial flavoring, energy drinks or vitamin replenishments like Hydrant or Liquid IV. Those who defend it claim that they can be certain that their drink will not be tampered with because the container is still closed throughout the evening. Female drinkers feel like this reduces the risk of their drink being spiked with GHB (the date rape drug) or other substances.
So Why Is That So Bad?
There are multiple reasons why this should be concerning to anyone who reads about B.O.R.G.s. The most obvious include:
- Health Risks
- Used to avoid open container laws
- Encourages binge drinking
On March 4th, 2023, 28 ambulances were called for off-campus parties at the University of Massachusetts during the Blarney Blowout. While it is unclear if these calls were related to B.O.R.G.s, multiple witnesses state that students were seen carrying large plastic containers. Thankfully, none of the cases were life-threatening or fatal. According to Tik-Tokers, B.O.R.G. users are under the impression that because they mix in water, electrolytes and energy drinks, that they are “staying hydrated.” This cannot be further from the truth.
Alcohol is a natural diuretic. It works as a diuretic by removing fluid from your blood and forcing it out through our renal system (including our kidneys, ureter, bladder, etc.) at a faster rate than your body would with water. If you do not drink enough water with alcohol, you run the risk of dehydration. If you begin to vomit or have chronic diarrhea while drinking, you will speed up the process of dehydration. Your body will cause you to urinate more often, symptoms of alcohol-related dehydration can include (but are not limited to): excessive thirst, dizziness, lightheadedness and loss of consciousness.
If you are eating on an empty stomach, alcohol is moved into your bloodstream within minutes, meaning even a small portion of alcohol will have a greater impact on your body. Your body can only convert so much alcohol into energy. Approximately, one beer, one small glass of wine or a shot of liquor per hour. If you are drinking more than that, your body cannot move the alcohol biproducts out of your system quick enough and intoxication and dehydration kick in more quickly. Alcohol will also dry out your skin which in turn can lead to changes in hormones and acne breakouts. Your muscles (known as alcoholic myopathy) can become stiff or cramped and you can start to lose muscle mass. Your liver can become damaged by excessive fat and protein buildup, leading to scarring, cirrhosis and liver failure. Your kidneys will have increased blood pressure from trying to move the excess alcohol out of your system. Your brain will also begin losing cognitive functions such as decision making or being responsive to what is around you.
If you or someone you know begins to feel dehydrated:
- Eat some food. Not only can food keep your blood sugar up, but it can also reduce the pain and discomfort of a hangover headache, opt for protein-rich, vitamin-dense foods like eggs, nuts, and spinach.
- Drink electrolyte-fortified water or sports drinks. These can help you rehydrate more quickly than plain water.
- Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs like ibuprofen limit the production of enzymes that contribute to migraine and headaches. So, taking an NSAID like ibuprofen may help prevent a hangover headache.
- Exercise. Doing some light exercise can boost your metabolism and help your body get rid of alcohol more quickly.
- Get some sleep. Allow your body to rest.
- Don’t consume alcohol the next morning. This can make your hangover worse.
- Sip coffee or tea. These can help you wake up, but be sure to drink plenty of water, too, since they’re both diuretics.
I mentioned earlier that B.O.R.G.s can be used to avoid open container laws. This encourages public intoxication as well as potential drunk driving. Police officers generally look for open containers of beer, whiskey, liquor, etc. They may not realize that someone is drinking a B.O.R.G. This trend also encourages binge drinking because students are adding up to 1/5th of vodka into these gallons. A typical 1/5 of vodka has approximately 16 shots. It only takes 5 shots for an average-sized male and 3-4 shots for an average-sized female to reach .08 BAC. A single shot is approximately 1.5oz (about 44.36 ml) of alcohol. If all 16 shots are in a B.O.R.G., then individuals consume the equivalent of 24oz (about 680.39 g) of alcohol or roughly 8 times the recommended daily amount of alcohol considered for safe consumption. These calculations are affected by age, hormones, gender, diet, medical conditions, medications and more.
In the Resources section, I include a BAC calculator based on your demographics. Please consider using this tool as well as the “standard” drink of alcohol information that I am also including.
Drinking Games and “Secret” Containers
Speaking of people avoiding open container laws, we should also talk about how secret containers can encourage individuals to take alcohol into areas that are normally restricted (schools, colleges, universities, workplaces, etc.) I have covered “hard” or “spiked” drinks in other communications. Now Sunny D, Simply and Mountain Dew are marketing their “hard” products in containers that look nearly identical to the non-alcoholic versions. The flavors are supposed to be similar, again skirting one’s ability to tell the difference. We all know about flasks, fake bladders, drinking caps and more.
Recently, I noticed an advertisement for an alcohol storage container that is shaped like a tampon. It comes with reusable wrapping. If adolescents get ahold of this item, they can easily hide up to 1oz (about 29.57 ml) of alcohol in a way that can be easily overlooked by parents and school administrators. Employers may not notice that this is out of place because it looks like standard feminine hygiene items.
Stores like Spencer Gifts and other retailers are selling drinking games and cannabis consumption games in their stores. The boxes state that they are recommended for ages 18 and up, but so far, I can find nothing that shows that they are asking for identification during purchase. If your child hangs out with someone older, they may be able to get ahold of this one way or the other.
Bottom Line
Alcohol is legal for anyone 21 and over. We have all heard about how alcohol affects the developing brain. We have known for years that college students binge drink. However, with the addition of B.O.R.G.s and other alcohol-related social media trends, the dangers seem to be increasing. Binge drinking of any kind is dangerous and can lead to accidental injury or death. Adding commercially available games and creative secret containers only increases the likelihood of adolescents finding new ways to drink.
We should all agree that giving alcohol to minors is unacceptable. If they cannot buy it, do not give it to them. If you or someone you love is struggling with their alcohol use, please consider contacting SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The number is 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Their website is below, and it offers a wide range of resources including treatment providers in your area and is free of charge, even if you do not have insurance.
References:
SAMHSA
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
BAC Calculator:
https://globalrph.com/medcalcs/blood-alcohol-calculator-bac-metric-of-alcohol-intoxication/
Standard Drink Tool
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/what-standard-drink