Choking Game, Pass Out and Get a High Options

[Comptine]

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Choking game
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The choking game is not a game in the traditional sense but a method of self-asphyxiation whereby a person cuts off the supply of oxygen to their brain for a "rush" or "high". Knowledge of the activity has been passed around schoolyards, typically between 9- 14 year olds, for years.

The choking/fainting game became prominent in the news in early 2005 when a number of children across the United States died from self-asphyxiation, including Gabriel Mordecai of California, Chelsea Dunn and Dalton Eby of Idaho, Dylan Blake of Florida and Jason Linkins of North Carolina to name just a few.

The origin of the activity is unknown, but versions of the "game" have been reported for generations. One method was to cut off blood flow to the brain using one's own hands. This was achieved by pressing your thumbs against the carotid artery. The blood loss to the brain would cause the person to pass out for a moment at which time their arms would fall limp and blood flow would be restored. The resulting rush of blood to the brain would cause tingling and a slight sense of euphoria for a few seconds. Another method was for the participant to hold his or her breath while another person pressed the base of their hands in the area of the heart, thus stopping blood flow.

The method that came to prominence in the news media involved the use of a ligature. An accomplice would hold the belt or rope around the victim's neck. When they were seen to go limp, the accomplice would then release the pressure. If the airflow is restricted for too long or if the victim is alone using a ligature to apply pressure, brain damage and death can occur. Children are misled in believing that this activity is safe because it is not illegal.

Within the past two months, I had encounters with this game like three times. Once, it was when my friend told me that she played a version of the Pass Out Game. Another was on a news clip and another was in a magazine article. It's freaking me out because it seems more and more news stories are popping up about it. Like all kids do it or something.

Click for an article about the Choking Game.

Have any of you played it? Watched someone play it? Or even know about this game? Is anyone else freaked out by this?