If you thought TikTok trends couldn’t get any more dangerous, then you haven’t heard of BORGs! BORGs are a new trend on TikTok for college students that has been gaining popularity. Consumption of the high amounts of alcohol often found in BORGs can cause harmful health effects. The effects are similar to those resulting from heavy alcohol use or binge drinking.
What does BORG stand for?
BORG stands for “blackout rage gallon.” This trend has become popular on the social media platform TikTok in the last year. It is said that #BORG has received more than 99 million views on TikTok. Although it is becoming popular now, the drink has been around for much longer than TikTok. Due to the use of the social media platform, BORGs have become more popular, leading to more instances of drinking this liquid mixture. But what exactly is in a BORG that makes it so dangerous? Let’s find out!
What is a BORG drink?
A BORG is a homemade cocktail mixed in a gallon jug. The drink contains water, vodka, and a flavor enhancer like MiO or Kool-Aid. These flavor enhancers may contain high amounts of caffeine which can add to the overdose risk. Some teens and college students drink BORGs instead of regular mixed drinks or beer bongs. These young adults prefer BORGS because they say it lets them drink more without getting a hangover the next day. The BORG is drunk straight from the jug, and the person who creates the BORG labels it with a fun name and holds on to it throughout the party.
Why some young adults think it’s safe
Another appealing aspect of the drink is that it may reduce your chance of falling victim to spiking. This is because you can have a cap on the jug so no one can put anything in the jugs without you knowing. Although a growing number of young adults may consider this drink safer than a traditional drink, binge drinking is never a good idea and can have dangerous consequences.
How much alcohol is in a BORG?
Binge drinking is considered drinking 4 or more drinks within 2 hours. BORGs typically contain a fifth of alcohol, which is roughly about 16 shots. Even though the typical number of shots in a BORG is 16, some people put less alcohol in their drink or even none at all. It all depends on what the person making the drink decides. This is one of the reasons people like this drinking method better than getting a drink at a bar or at a party. One of the big questions parents are asking is “does a BORG cause alcohol poisoning?”
Can you get alcohol poisoning from BORG drinking?
BORGs often contain large amounts of alcohol that can result in alcohol poisoning, even when consumed over several hours. Here is what to do if you think you may be sick from drinking too much of a BORG.
What to do if drinking from a BORG makes you sick?
Alcohol poisoning is a result of drinking too much of any type of alcoholic beverage. When your body digests and absorbs alcohol, it enters your bloodstream, raising your blood alcohol levels. The liver helps to break down alcohol, but if the blood alcohol level is too high, it can overwhelm the liver and keep it from removing toxins quick enough.
If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms you should seek medical help and call 911, if needed:
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Blue or pale tinged skin
- Irregular or slow breathing
- Low body temperature
- Passing out and not waking up
Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you have unwanted or unexpected symptoms after drinking from a BORG. At the Missouri Poison Center, our registered nurses and pharmacists are here 24/7/365 to answer any questions you may have regarding poisonings. All calls are free and confidential.
