The Choking Game: Hidden Dangers to a School Yard Activity

The choking game, also known as California Headrush or Trip to Heaven among many other names, has become increasingly popular recently. It's become some sort of a trend among today's teens. Although the "game" is used among almost every demographic, it seems like teenage boys are the most likely to be involved in it.

The choking game is not technically a game. It's an activity which restricts the flow of oxygen to the brain resulting in unconsciousness. It's hard to get an exact amount of people that die in the United States each year from playing this game, it's estimating that anywhere from 250-1000 deaths occur. Many of these deaths are reported as suicide which makes it difficult to get an accurate number.

So what techniques are used in this activity, and what's the point to it. Why would people risk their lives for it?

There are two methods that can be used for the choking game. Strangulation and hypocapnia are the techniques used. With strangulation, someone (either that person or a friend) presses their thumbs on the arteries on both sides of the neck. By compressing the carotid arteries, the blood flow to the brain is restricted and causes you to lose consciousness.

Hypocapnia involves hyperventilating until you start to feel light-headed and dizzy. Then holding your breath for about a minute. This alone is usually enough to make you pass out, however, sometimes something else is needed. A bear hug from another person is another thing added to this method. This other person will apply pressure either over or under the heart which will be enough to black out.

So why would people want to take part in something that is so dangerous? During the blackout, people often say that they are experiencing hallucinations. As they start to regain consciousness, people have involuntary movement of their hands and feet which amuses onlookers. Full recovery is usually made quickly; within seconds after blacking out, however, as previously stated many people die from this activity every year. Even if people manage to avoid death, there are still many risks. Permanent brain damage can occur because of the lack of oxygen in the brain. This damage may not be apparent immediately after recovering from the blackout.

Perhaps more parents should sit their kids down and explain the dangers of this game. People tend to just brush it off as nothing important, but people are getting seriously hurt because of it.