Quicksplained: What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend?

TikTok has revealed the latest college drinking trend: the BORG.

BORG stands for “blackout rage gallon” and involves students taking a gallon jug of water, pouring out some of it to make room for their preferred amount of alcohol, and then adding flavoring such as water-enhancing drops or powdered drink mixes. The hashtag #borg has accumulated over 74.7 million views on TikTok.

Here’s what you need to know about BORGs:

What is a BORG?

• A BORG, or “blackout rage gallon,” is a gallon-sized container, typically a jug, filled halfway with water, a fifth of vodka or another alcohol, water flavour enhancers, and electrolyte powder.

• Those who drink from BORGs prefer this trend because it minimises the risk of drink spiking, as it’s in a sealed, personal container that you carry around.

• BORG enthusiasts also claim that this method helps reduce hangovers and other negative effects of drinking alcohol by keeping you hydrated, increasing electrolyte levels, and diluting the alcohol.

What does BORG stand for?

• BORG is an acronym for “blackout rage gallon.”

• The name is derived from the fact that it contains enough alcohol in one container for an entire night of drinking.

• Although the term BORG is new, the practice of mixing alcohol with water, juice, and other nonalcoholic substances has long been popular among college students who wish to prolong the effects of alcohol and induce blackout behaviour.

Is BORG drinking safe?

• According to Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. David Streem, this strategy aims to mitigate the negative physical effects associated with drinking more than your body can handle, which is fundamentally unsafe because it can trick you into thinking you are consuming less alcohol than you actually are.

• The US National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines a standard drink as containing about 14 grams of pure alcohol, equivalent to:

  • A 12-ounce beer (about 5% alcohol).

  • A 5-ounce glass of wine (about 12% alcohol).

  • 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (about 40% alcohol).

• An average BORG, which includes a fifth of alcohol, equates to 17 shots if measured correctly. Often, errors in measurement occur, leading to unintentional overconsumption.

• The CDC in the US defines binge drinking as five or more standard drinks on one occasion for males and four or more for females. BORGs can easily exceed these limits, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning and other health issues.

• Speaking to Cleveland Clinic, Streem emphasises that your liver can only process about one ounce of alcohol per hour, regardless of the total amount consumed. Excessive drinking can overwhelm your liver, leading to a buildup of alcohol in your bloodstream and tissues.

• Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production, leading to dehydration despite efforts to stay hydrated, thus exacerbating the effects of hangovers.

Why is BORG drinking dangerous?

• In March 2023, at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, 46 students were hospitalised for alcohol poisoning after participating in a BORG challenge.

• Alcohol poisoning can occur when blood alcohol levels rise too quickly for the liver to process, leading to severe symptoms like hallucinations, dizziness, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting.

• Without precise measurements, it’s difficult to track how much alcohol is consumed when mixing it with various liquids and powders, increasing the risk of overconsumption and subsequent health complications, including pancreatitis.

• Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and long-term health issues, including persistent nausea and stomach pain.

Safer alternatives to BORGs

• While BORG drinking might seem safer compared to communal drinking from punch bowls or coolers, it carries significant risks due to the large quantity of alcohol involved.

• It’s advisable to use smaller, personal containers, count your drinks, measure alcohol consumption, and stay hydrated.

• Recognising your limits and knowing when to stop drinking is crucial. Keeping a breathalyser handy can help you monitor your alcohol intake.

• Listening to your body’s signals and understanding the impact of alcohol are essential. Rest, time, and hydration are the only true remedies for hangovers.

Also Read: Why beer tastes better when it’s cold. The science explained

With inputs from agencies