Fears a dangerous TikTok trend that caused 50 US university students to be hospitalized will replicate in Australia
- The BORG Drinking Challenge is spreading across the US.
- It involves people drinking large plastic jugs with a mixture of alcohol.
- The hashtag has attracted more than 70 million views on TikTok.
There are fears that a dangerous new TikTok trend in which people try to drink 3.7 liters of alcohol could cause chaos in Australia.
The so-called BORG drinking challenge is sweeping across the United States and has even landed 50 University of Massachusetts students in the hospital.
BORG is short for ‘blackout rage gallon’ and involves people drinking from large plastic jugs containing a combination of hard liquor, mixers, water and sweeteners.
It also includes electrolyte tablets to help participants ‘avoid a hangover’.
A 3.7 liter borg, even half full of liquor, could equal about two bottles of vodka, rum or tequila.
The so-called BORG drinking challenge is sweeping across the US and has even seen 50 University of Massachusetts students.
BORG is short for ‘blackout rage gallon’ and involves people drinking large plastic jugs containing a combination of alcohol.
The hashtag has so far attracted more than 70 million views on TikTok, with one doctor warning it could devastate Australia if it takes root here.
Dr. Jeremy Hayllar, clinical director of the alcohol and drug service at Brisbane Metro North Health, said 3.7 liters of alcohol was a “massive” and “extremely dangerous” dose that could likely lead to collapse, overdose and death.
“Especially for a person who has never had alcohol before, that amount is extremely dangerous, especially in a single sitting,” Dr. Hayllar told the mail.
‘This one appears to be very high risk and extremely hard drinking, especially for one session.
“We see the complications of alcohol, violence, self-harm, domestic violence, drink-driving, and also the long-term changes of liver disease.
“It is concerning that people are seeing this on TikTok. I’m not trying to spoil the fun, but people need to recognize the major risks.’
So far, the drinking trend hashtag has attracted more than 70 million views on TikTok.
Dr Jeremy Hayllar, clinical director of the drug and alcohol service at Brisbane Metro North Health, said 3.7 liters of alcohol was a “massive” and “extremely dangerous” dose.
A Queensland Health spokeswoman said trends encouraging risky behavior and excessive drinking were dangerous.
‘We encourage people not to participate in these online trends. Your health and well-being are too important to dismiss for likes and followers,” the spokeswoman said.
“Potential short- and long-term consequences of alcohol can be serious and can include injury, chronic health problems, social problems, and violence.”
TikTok’s country trust and safety policy manager, Jed Horner, claimed that the fashion was not yet trending in Australia.