News
The Choking Game (Self Induced Euphoric Asphyxiation)
Self-Induced Euphoric Asphyxiation (SIEA) is not new. It has been practiced by teens and children since risk-taking and play have existed. However, the new twist has made this activity particularly risky: doing it alone.
The Choking Game or Passing Out as it has been called, is the practice of intentionally restricting blood flow to the brain via pressure on the arteries in the neck. In the past, the activity was done with others inducing the process or self-inducing with someone standing nearby. However, doing it by yourself requires ropes, cloth, or another device that will allow the restriction without the aid of another also ensures that if there is a problem, there is no one present to rescue you.
Why is it practiced? Self-Induced Euphoric Asphyxiation is done because it allows a person to experience a feeling of euphoria, i.e., a high without the risks of being 'found out' or caught. It is essentially a high-risk behavior that doesn't carry the social consequences of seeking a high with drugs including alcohol. The feelings associated with the practice doesn't require finding a source, storage, and removal of a product. With a seemingly high ability to 'get away with it' along with the belief that there are few negative side effects, young people are engaging in the behavior 'as if' it were a game. With any game that would restrict blood flow to the brain, or where the results including passing out, the risks are very real. Some people are suggesting it is new: it is not. Some are suggesting it is done by stupid kids: it is not. Some are suggesting that we don't have a problem in our community: we do.
It is important to keep an eye out for the practice. It is sometimes known as is blackout, funky chicken, space monkey, flat liner, tingling and suffocation roulette. The activity is taking place in homes, schools, and can take place anywhere there are willing children. Whatever the name, It is a dangerous and risky practice that has and will continue to result in death. Notwithstanding that real risk, the practice continues in our area and is seemingly widespread across the nation. To this end, we have convened a task-force to address this risk in our community. Following are the members of the local taskforce as well as links to other resources addressing the tragedy, risk, and prevention efforts of the practice.
Locally Committee on Self Induced Euphoric Asphyxiation (SIEA) or The Choking Game
Scott Christie, Ph.D. Click HereSteve Atchison Click Here
Alicia Hahn Click Here
G T Simmons Click Here
Stacia Tyacke Click Here
Josh Luttrell Click Here
Rhonda Pesterfield Click Here
Cindy Beeks Click Here
Melody Kuhn Click Here
Dennis Kenna Click Here
Josh Harper Click Here Other Links: .
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8995984/
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/08/09/choking.game/index.html
http://www.nwcn.com/health/children/stories/NW_092905WABchokinggameSW_.a64a4222.html
If you want further information about this or other drug/alcohol concerns, please feel free to call us at: 503-397-5211 at extension 120.