What Is a BORG? Understanding the "Blackout Rage Gallon" Trend

BORG stands for "blackout rage gallon," a dangerous drinking trend gaining popularity on college campuses. It involves consuming a gallon-sized mixture of alcohol—often various spirits—with the goal of drinking until blacking out. While not everyone aims for complete memory loss, any form of binge drinking carries serious and unpredictable risks.

Some mistakenly believe BORG drinking is "healthier" because it includes water and electrolyte powders. However, binge drinking remains hazardous regardless of additives, and the associated health and safety dangers are significant.

What Is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking, a longstanding issue on campuses, is defined by the CDC as consuming five or more drinks for men or four or more for women within about two hours. Shockingly, one in six U.S. adults binge drinks roughly four times monthly.

Regular binge drinking can severely impact health, increasing risks for chronic conditions like liver disease, heart problems, and cancer. It can also lead to alcohol dependence. Research in the Journal of Addiction Medicine shows that binge drinking alters the brain's response to alcohol, reinforcing excessive consumption patterns.

What Are Blackouts?

Blackouts are episodes of memory loss during heavy drinking where individuals cannot recall events, even if they seemed functional at the time. They occur when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises quickly to around 0.15% or higher.

Contrary to common belief, people don't need to pass out to experience a blackout. This state severely impairs judgment and impulse control, leading to risks like:

• Alcohol poisoning, which can cause breathing issues, seizures, or unconsciousness
• Accidents and injuries due to loss of coordination
• Risky behaviors, such as unsafe sex or drunk driving

BORG in the News and the BORG Challenge

Recent reports highlight increased alcohol incidents linked to students carrying "BORGs"—gallon containers holding alcohol, water, and flavorings like Liquid IV. A typical BORG may contain up to a fifth of vodka (about 17 shots).

This trend, popularized on TikTok, emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a personal alternative to shared drinks like kegs. The "BORG challenge" involves daring others to consume these mixtures, often resulting in emergency room visits. Colleges like UMass are responding with enhanced education, including mandatory courses on alcohol risks.

Why BORGs Are Dangerous

Dr. Sarah Andrews of Johns Hopkins notes that BORGs promote misconceptions—mixing with electrolytes doesn't reduce alcohol's dangers. The design encourages binge drinking: heavy jugs motivate rapid consumption, and wide mouths allow for gulping large amounts quickly.

Flavor additives like caffeinated MiO Energy pose additional risks; a full bottle can equal 10–24 servings of caffeine, raising the chance of overdose.

What You Can Do

To combat this trend, take proactive steps:

• Educate on risks: Highlight dangers like memory blackouts, liver damage, poisoning, and risky behaviors.
• Warn about caffeine: Overdose symptoms include irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, and convulsions.
• Address dehydration: Even with water, BORGs can cause fatigue, kidney stones, or heat stroke.
• Acknowledge intentions: Recognize that avoiding drink-sharing shows health awareness, but it's not enough to offset alcohol risks.
• Offer support: Provide non-judgmental help and encourage professional resources for alcohol struggles.
• Suggest alternatives: Promote alcohol-free events and drinks like mocktails, smoothies, or infused waters.

Prioritize health and safety—no trend is worth endangering your life.

Wrapping Up

Navigating alcohol trends can be challenging, but with accurate information and support, we can make healthier choices. Whether you're cutting back or quitting alcohol, resources like Quitemate and other networks are available to assist.

Here's to smarter decisions, healthier habits, and enjoying life fully and safely.