BORG Drinking Trend: What Parents Need to Know

What is the BORG drinking trend?

Over the past year, you may have heard of something called a “BORG” related to college students. These BORGs aren’t from Star Trek – they’re “blackout rage gallons,” AKA gallon jugs of alcohol combined with water, juice, and other mixers. The BORG drinking trend first hit the headlines after over 40 students were hospitalized in one weekend at the University of Massachusetts after drinking them.¹

Students will make BORGs themselves prior to attending an event. First, they dump half the jug out, leaving water in it. Ingredients and methods vary, but based on social media, there’s usually about a fifth of alcohol—typically vodka—in the jug.² Then, they’ll add in whatever other mixers they want, such as flavor enhancing liquids, electrolytes like Liquid IV, and even caffeinated beverages.³

Why do students drink it?

College students will carry their jugs around with them at parties or events with heavy drinking. Some students say they do this because they believe it is a safer drinking experience. Reasons include:

• They think they know exactly how much alcohol is in their jug, claiming that helps them better control their drinking.
• Drinkers believe that including electrolytes in their beverage, not to mention a large amount of water, will help them stay hydrated and prevent a hangover.⁴
• Some point to the fact that because their jug is carried with them most of the time and usually have a cap on it, their drink is less likely to be spiked or “roofied.”⁵
• The BORG drinking trend is popular on TikTok. Many teens and college students make videos not only showing how to make BORGs but also talking about their benefits.

Why is it dangerous?

It is important to note that no amount of alcohol is good for one’s health, and binge drinking can have severe health consequences in both the short- and long-term. BORGs contain more alcohol than what is considered a standard drink. 

It’s also likely that some drinkers do not carefully measure out the alcohol in their BORG. Many do not actually have a handle on how much alcohol they can consume before getting very drunk or experiencing alcohol poisoning.

Additionally, there is no evidence showing that electrolytes can prevent a hangover.⁶ In fact, there is no way to really get rid of a hangover—only when alcohol is fully out of the system does someone recover.

Caffeine and alcohol

Combining caffeine and alcohol can lead to additional health risks, including:

• Caffeine hides the effects of alcohol. The energy drink has caffeine, which can make a person feel awake and alert. This can trick them into drinking more alcohol than they realize, which can be really dangerous.
• Dehydration and health risks. Both alcohol and caffeine can lead to dehydration. Mixing them puts a lot of stress on the body and can lead to serious health problems, like passing out or alcohol poisoning.
• Risk of blackouts and bad decisions. Drinking a lot without feeling the effects right away can lead to poor decisions, like drinking and driving or not knowing when to stop.
• Heart problems. The stimulant effects of caffeine combined with alcohol can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous, especially for individuals with heart conditions.

There are other serious health effects associated with this BORG drinking trend. Consuming high amounts of alcohol quickly can overwhelm the liver’s ability to process it, leading to alcohol poisoning. Signs include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, and loss of consciousness.⁷

Drinking BORGS may also normalize binge drinking behavior, contributing to the development of alcohol use disorders (e.g., addiction).

Students might look at the BORG as a way to reduce the risks of binge drinking, but there are many more effective strategies to do so, including:

• Drinking slowly
• Measuring and counting individual drinks
• Eating and drinking water
• Not mixing alcohol with other substances
• Consuming drinks with less alcohol
• Medications that can help reduce drinking

What if my loved one is using BORGs?

If your college student is using BORGS, it’s important to take action in a supportive and understanding way. Here are some steps parents can take to help:

1. Start a conversation

Approach your child without anger or judgment. Let them know you’re concerned about their safety and well-being, not just the behavior. You could say something like, “I’ve heard about a trend called BORGS, and I’m really worried about how dangerous it can be. What do you know about it?”

Give your child a chance to share their thoughts and feelings. They might be using BORGS because of peer pressure, stress, or other reasons. Showing empathy can help them feel understood and more likely to open up.

2. Explain the risks

Explain the dangers of mixing alcohol with energy drinks, such as alcohol poisoning, dehydration, and making bad decisions. Make sure they understand how the caffeine can trick them into drinking more alcohol than they should. Also talk about how regularly using BORGS or binge drinking can lead to alcohol dependence, health problems, and poor academic or social outcomes.

3. Set boundaries and expectations

Let your child know your expectations regarding alcohol use. Remind them of the risks and that their safety is a top priority. Be firm about your views on their alcohol. If they choose to drink, encourage moderation. Explain the importance of knowing limits and always having a safe plan, like assigning a designated driver or a sober friend to watch out for them.

4. Offer support and resources

Encourage your child to find other ways to manage stress, socialize, or have fun. College life can be overwhelming, and some students may use drinking to cope. If you think the use of BORGS is part of a larger problem, such as binge drinking or alcohol dependence, suggest seeing a counselor, therapist, or visiting a student health center for help. 

Help your child understand how to handle peer pressure. Role-playing situations where they can confidently say no can be useful.

5. Stay involved in their college life

Stay in contact with your child and check in on how they’re doing. It’s important for them to know they can turn to you for help, no matter what. Suggest joining clubs, sports, or other activities that promote a balanced lifestyle and help reduce the temptation and opportunity to drink excessively.

6. Know when to seek professional help

If your child’s drinking habits are out of control and they seem unable to stop using BORGS or drinking excessively, it might be time to reach out for professional help. Many colleges offer counseling services or support groups for students struggling with alcohol use. 

Being supportive and showing concern without being too forceful is key. It’s important to keep the conversation going, offer guidance, and make sure your child feels safe asking for help if they need it.

It can be scary to know trends like this are out there, but keeping yourself and your loved ones informed is always helpful. If you’re concerned about your teen’s substance use, you can always contact us for support.