Those of us who scroll social media sites such as Tik Toc and Instagram have likely seen influencers posting about the latest drinking trend: the “blackout rage gallon” a.k.a the BORG.
Blackout Rage Gallon: BORG
1/2 Gallon of water
1/2 Gallon of Vodka
1 Bottle of flavor enhancer (may contain caffeine)
@autumnjewel13
Videos claiming that drinking from a BORG is the “safer” way to get drunk, and that it also prevents that pesky hangover the morning after! Some “preventionists” weigh in on why they favor the BORG rather than consuming communal drinks.
Why BORG?
- You can control what type and how much alcohol you are mixing.
- The closed container reduces the risk of someone putting drugs or other unwanted substances in your beverage.
- There is no sharing of cups in which diseases may be spread.
- Some recipes include an electrolyte additive.
@erin.monroe_ Replying to @yodster42 #borg #genz #millennial #harmreduction #foryou
Still tempted to make your own BORG?
Let’s break down the facts.
BORG Truths:
- Although there is 1/2 a gallon of water in a BORG, this does not cancel out the large amounts of alcohol it contains.
- The average BORG recipe calls for the alcohol equivalent of 16 drinks.
- Some recipes call for flavor enhancers containing caffeine, which can interfere with the ability to recognize how intoxicated one is.
- BORGS encourage binge drinking, or the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. This can lead to alcohol poisoning, caffeine toxicity, unwanted sexual attention, DUI’s and even death.
If no BORG, then what?
There are safer ways to consume alcohol, some of which include:
- Limiting the number of alcoholic beverages consumed, especially over a short period of time.
- Hydrating and consuming food before drinking.
- Avoid the mix of medications and alcohol.
- Know the signs of alcohol poisoning, which include: includes confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin), hypothermia, and trouble staying awake. These symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
References
CDC. (2022, April 19). Facts about moderate drinking. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/moderate-drinking.htm
FDA. (2018, December 12). Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
FDA. (2018, December 12). Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Alcohol poisoning. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354386
Moniuszko, S. (2023). What’s a borg? the latest college drinking trend, explained. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/whats-a-borg-college-drinking-trend-explained