Choking Game Hurting Teens in Australia

Doctors in Australia have warned that teenagers are risking their lives by trying to get high using the choking game.

Youngsters revealed that the choking game, in which they become semi-asphyxiated, enables them to achieve a hypoxia-induced euphoric state.

They undergo a partial or complete loss of consciousness brought about by the intentional deprivation of oxygen to the brain for a short period.

Adolescents psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg claim it to be 'incredibly dangerous'.

"Children get bored, there is not much stimulation in their lives and they look for a cheap thrill," the Daily Telegraph quoted him as saying.

Dr Carr-Gregg also advised parents not to overlook the destructive behaviour and discuss with them the potential dangers of any such behaviour.

"The one thing I would advise parents to do is discuss it with their children . . . let them know that it is something they shouldn't be doing," he said.

Valentina McInerney from University of Western Sydney School of psychology also warned that children were subjected to potentially dangerous behaviour on the Internet.

"This mirrors a pile of things that kids do and post on the net," she said.

"I found stuff on YouTube but most Australian kids think it is idiotic," she added.

"Kids are getting to the brown-out stage but there is a fine line between a euphoric state from lack of oxygen and completely blacking out," said Matthew O'Meara, director, Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick emergency.

"If you are on your own when you become unconscious you cannot do anything about it and that is risky," he added.

Source-ANI
RAS/L