The "Choking Game" or "Pass Out Game"

This activity is not a Game! It's a traditional activity passed on for generations through whispers of typically 9-14 year old children on playgrounds, at school, camp, and from friends. The Choking Game is played in both in groups and by a single child. The object of the 'game' is asphyxiation, as in, to apply pressure to restrict oxygen and/or blood flow to the brain of the victim therefore creating a desired 'floaty', 'tingling', 'high' sensation. The 'high' are the cells of the brain seizing and beginning the process of permanent cell death. When the victim becomes unconscious, the pressure is released and the secondary 'high' of the oxygen/blood rushing to the brain is achieved. If the victim is alone - upon unconsciousness there is no one to release the pressure and the victims own body weight continues to tighten the ligature usually resulting in death.

'Typical' Profile

Unlike other risk-taking behaviors, self-choking often occurs among well-adjusted, high achieving students looking to have a sensational experience. 9 -16 is the most common age and it is predominantly male participants. Although younger and older adolescents along with females are involved.

What's the Attraction?

• A brief sense of euphoria
• An altered state of consciousness
• Peer Pressure of a dare or game of chicken
• Enhanced erotic feelings
• Entertainment peers lose consciouness/behave erratically

Similar experiences

• Hanging upside down
• Pressing arms against immovable barriers
• Holding your breath
• Breathing rapidly
• Hang gliding
• Parachuting
• The rush of doing something on the edge

What are the results?

• Bruises/concussions
• Broken bones
• Seizures
• Brain Damage
• Retinal hemorrhaging
• Stroke
• Death

Where do kids learn it?

• Friends / Neighbors
• Siblings
• The Internet
• At School
• Playgrounds

If a youth is participating

• Increase supervision- be aware of your child’s activities and whereabouts
• Remove any paraphernalia that could be used as a ligature.
• Alert school personnel. If one student is involved, there are probably others
• Alert the parents of your children’s friends.
• Consult with a physician to address any health needs that have resulted
• If an older teen is involved, younger children in the same family may be at risk for participating in this activity

What is the best prevention?

Talk about the dangers - They know about the game! Adolescents feel it's 'just passing out'. It's free, accessible and not a drug or illegal making the temptation for a quick thrill tempting.Tell them that EVERY time they are risking DEATH -either their brain cells or themselves.

Alert: Parents

You are the first line of defense in protecting your child from playing the Choking Game. Learn the warning signs, know the many slang names that might be over heard within a teens conversation. Check your child's computer for websites containing "Pass Out" or "Choking Game". Also look for videos viewed or uploaded by your child from video sharing sites like MySpace or YouTube.