Thrill Seeking Proves to be dangerous

by Alex Llanio, highlights, Opinion, March 2009

Most deaths are caused by accidents or diseases. However, death is something teenagers never feel applies to them. Sometimes teens are lured into the grand illusion that being young means invincibility. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, statistics show that from 1995 – 2007 more kids in the age group 6 - 19 died from playing a “game” than from committing suicide by hanging or self-strangulation.  The irony is that these young deaths were unintentional and resulted from a thrill seeking behavior know as The Fainting Game.

Rising to the summit alongside several pastime games comes a very new form of getting a natural high. The Fainting Game, also known as The Choking or the Pass Out Game is a very incomprehensible practice amongst teens these days. The mechanics of this practice are simple--cut the blood flow to the brain and loose consciousness.  Holding your breath until you pass out may seem like something small, but for those who like to think outside the box, clearly acknowledge the fact that there is more to this “game” that meets the eye. There are several ways you can accomplish self-unconsciousness. The most common of ways is to press both hands tightly over each jugular artery, cutting blood flow to the brain. After several seconds, lightheadedness starts to kick in as you release the veins and the brain overflows with excessive blood and oxygen.

“When I was in middle school, I used to play it a lot and I enjoyed it because of the rush and feeling. Later on I found out about the dangers of it, so I don’t do it anymore,” said Mr. Orange, whose real name has been changed to protect his identify.

                Cutting oxygen to the brain couldn’t possibly be so harmful could it?  Actually, in a perfect world, the answer would be no. But, since this is real life, the answer is yes. The extent of the damages caused by The Fainting Game are severe and can potentially include bruises, brain damage, retinal hemorrhaging, stroke, cardiac arrest, seizures, permanent vegetative state, or death. Any activities depriving the brain from oxygen can cause moderate brain cell death, resulting in a permanent life altering event.

 “I think the fainting game is extremely dangerous and I would not advice anyone to try it. There are other ways of having fun, and other ways of enjoying your young adult life. I advice anyone reading this article to be against it,” said Kim Daniels, member of the Children’s Trust Program and school nurse.

                So, who would play such a dangerous game and why? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies show that young males are most likely to engage in this irregular practice. There are countless reasons why one would decide to gamble their lives for this brief sense of euphoria. Peer pressure, dares, amusement, or simply boredom. Research suggests that young adults might even strangle themselves for the prospect of intoxication, at no financial cost.

“I think it’s a very dangerous game, and it doesn’t matter whether you have a partner or not, there are no rules to it, so there is no safety, a lot of students that do partake end up with some serious injuries because they don’t know exactly when to stop,” said Kelly Apolinar, head of Student Services.

                Several organizations are helping to promote the dangers of The Fainting Game such as Stop-The-Choking-Game.com. Their statement hits the heart of common sense, “Education is the best weapon we have against the Choking Game…” This site includes a community of support, brochures, frequently asked questions, and a visually impacting video regarding The Fainting Game.

 “My first experience with this was in my sophomore year… Several students were trying it out in the back of the room. I have actual asthma, so I’ve passed out from natural causes. It’s really not a great feeling, and I think it’s a stupid way to get high. Not worth it, truthfully,” said senior Sean Sierra..

                There is rarely any disbelief that kids are seeking a thrill ride, something exciting and secretive to engage in. Doing what the greater half of society categorizes as wrong can be electrifying and fun. The beauty about life is that you are in full control of the decisions you bring to action but realistically speaking, remembering your loved ones at the time of choice is something that everyone considers. For those who linger in the shadow of The Fainting Game for the wrong reasons, understand this: There is catharsis in life, and there are always different ways of achieving it. Open your eyes, progress, and live to see another beautiful day.