Warning Signs of the Choking Game
Signs of Self Strangulation
A scary phenomenon called the choking game is gaining popularity among American teenagers and taking the lives of kids all across the nation.
The CDC conducted the first survey on self choking and found that over 30% of teenagers knew what the choking game is (1/36 had heard of it). More concerning is that 1/15 teens reported having tried choking themselves. That means that not only is this dangerous activity becoming a part of popular teen consciousness but half of the teen who have heard of it have tried it.
The choking game is a dangerous activity where individuals intentionally choke themselves(or their friends) to feel a very brief moment of euphoria. The behavior is dangerous and habit forming and not unlike cutting.
Self choking by hanging is not suicidal behavior but it is easy for things to go wrong and it is a very serious problem. The choking game is a kind of self injurious behavior and should be taken seriously.
If you suspect your teen is playing the choking game it is vital that you approach them immediately and get psychological help for them immediately.
When calling to make an appointment with a health care professional tell them that your teen is involved with self harm or showing self injurious behaviors.
Warning Signs of the Choking Game
-Marks or bruising around the neck.
- New interest in wearing scarves or high collars.
- Dropping school grades
- Abrupt changes in mood
- Blood shot eyes
- Disorientation or confusion
- Spending more and more time in room with the door closed
- Having ropes or ties in their room
Many of the warning signs of the choking game are similar to other concerning teen activities including depression, drugs use, and sexual activity. Girls hiding their choke marks can be confused with trying to hide a hickey for example.
If you have suspected that your child is taking drugs and decided that they are clean you should be vigilant about the choking game. Choking results in similar symptoms to drug use but does not show up in a urine test or breathalyser.
Published by April Bair
April Bair writes a little bit of everything. She considers herself a project oriented person and sees life and work as a series of new projects. Living an ex-patriot life in Heidelberg Germany as a child... View profile
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- The Choking Game is very dangerous.
- In the Choking Game teenagers choke them self or friends.
- Symptoms of self strangulation, choking, are similar to drug use.
3 Comments
Post a CommentMy 20 year old grandson just told me about the "choking game", I thought drugs and alcohol were the worst dangers he would face,I am 57 and have never heard of it! I told him what could and would happen to him if he did this, but I think he may have already done this with his friends. If I see any of the warning signs Osawatamee State Hospital will have a new resident! I am so scared.
Sad. This is considered non-suicidal self-harm just like cutting. It is a warning sign that something is wrong. To explore self-destructive behaviors may indicate a deeper psychological problem or family dysfunction. Help is available by calling 1-800-SUICIDE. If left untreated or unnoticed, suicide may occur. The intention to die does not have to be present. This is serious. Find out all you can about the warning signs ie; high neck clothing, ropes, bruising, etc. Always take seriously.
Calling it "gaining popularity" shows how blind we are to something that has been with us for generations. I'm 52. When I was 11 it was called "Black Out", and as potentially deadly. Luckily, among us no one died. Wake up, folks! If you did it bets are your kids are doing it, too!