Kids and the 'Choking Game': Resources for How to Get Help

April 9, 2012— -- The "Choking Game" is an act of intentionally cutting off oxygen to the brain with the goal of inducing a brief, drug-free "buzz" or euphoric "high". The activity is trending among children and teens who may be unaware of the consequences and health risks, including head trauma, brain damage, and even death.

Variations of "the game" involve self-strangulation or hyperventilation. It is known by a number of slang terms such as Choke Out, The Choking Challenge, The Pass Out Game, The Fainting Game, The Pass Out Challenge, Black Out, Tap Out, California Knock Out, Flatliner, Airplaning, Space Monkey, Funky Chicken, Suffocation Roulette, Rising Sun, American Dream, and Space Cowboy.

Regardless of the name or the approach, medical experts warn the activity is never safe. Warning signs for children engaging in "the game" may include marks on the neck, frequent headaches, and blood shot eyes.

For more information, the groups listed below provide educational resources, awareness and prevention tools.

Erik's Cause – Help Stop the Choking Game: www.erikscause.com

The Kris Marceno Foundation: http://www.krismarcenofoundation.com/

G.A.S.P – Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play: http://www.gaspinfo.com/en/home.htmlEd 4 Ed – Education 4 Educators: http://ed4ed4all.com/

For Kevin's Sake: Stop the Choking Game: http://www.forkevinssake.com/

The Dangerous Behaviors Foundation: http://www.chokinggame.net/

Racing 4 Andrew: http://www.racing4andrew.com/

Jenny Morgan Memorial: http://www.jennymorgan.org/