BORG drinking
If you’ve attended a college party recently, you might have seen students drinking a BORG, an acronym for “blackout rage gallon.” This trend, popular among Generation Z, involves a gallon-sized plastic jug filled with vodka or other distilled alcohol, water, a flavor enhancer, and an electrolyte powder or drink, according to the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, DC.
BORGs are typically consumed at daytime outdoor parties, known as darties. However, the high alcohol content in these drinks can lead to potentially life-threatening consumption and alcohol poisoning, said Dr. Anna Lembke, a professor of psychiatry and addiction medicine at Stanford University.
Sabrina Grimaldi, editor-in-chief of The Zillennial Zine, describes BORGs as the new version of jungle juice. Instead of making a large mixed drink in a dispenser or tub, everyone has their own personal drink, intended to get them extremely drunk.
The social contagion factor of BORGs makes them even more dangerous, Dr. Lembke noted. The trend has gained popularity on social media, with students posting pictures of their personalized BORGs with creative names.
Kelly Xiong, a recent University of Pittsburgh graduate, first encountered BORGs during a St. Patrick’s Day party. The drink is especially popular at large outdoor events or special occasions.
This trend isn’t limited to college campuses. High school students are also adopting BORGs at events like senior class pool parties. Virginia, a high school senior in Tampa, Florida, said the social aspect of naming and decorating the BORG adds to its appeal.
However, the unmeasured alcohol content in BORGs can be dangerous, especially since a typical BORG can contain about 17 standard drinks. Health experts, including the National Institutes of Health, advise against binge drinking and suggest moderation, noting that no amount of alcohol is safe for health.
The sweetened nature of BORGs, often diluted with electrolyte drinks or water flavor enhancers, makes them more palatable, leading people to consume more than they would with straight alcohol. This can overwhelm the liver’s ability to metabolize the alcohol, posing significant health risks.
