If you’ve attended a party recently and noticed people drinking BORGs, you’ve likely been around college students. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, you’re probably not part of Generation Z.
What is a BORG?
BORG stands for “blackout rage gallon,” as described by the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, DC. A BORG typically consists of vodka or another distilled alcohol, water, a flavor enhancer, and an electrolyte powder or drink, all mixed in a gallon-size plastic jug. These potent drinks are often consumed at outdoor day parties, commonly known as darties.
A New Form of Jungle Juice
Dr. Anna Lembke, a professor of psychiatry and addiction medicine at Stanford University, warns that BORGs contain so much alcohol that consuming one can lead to potentially life-threatening alcohol poisoning. This large-batch drink is a modern version of jungle juice, where previously, party-sized mixed drinks were made in huge containers like five-gallon dispensers or even sinks and bathtubs.
Sabrina Grimaldi, editor-in-chief of The Zillennial Zine, notes that with BORGs, everyone has their own personal drink, which is intended to get them extremely drunk.
Recent Incidents and Popularity
The origins of the term BORG are unclear, but it has gained notoriety, especially after more than two dozen University of Massachusetts Amherst students, many carrying BORGs, were hospitalized following an off-campus event in March 2023.
Not Just a College Trend
BORGs have also become popular among high school students. For example, at a high school senior class pool party in Tampa, Florida, many students made their own BORGs. The social aspect of naming and decorating the BORG adds to its appeal among young people, as seen in numerous TikTok posts featuring creative names for the jugs.
The Dangers of BORGs
Drinking BORGs can be dangerous due to the high alcohol content. Virginia, a high school senior, notes that people often pour vodka without measuring, making it hard to gauge the amount of alcohol consumed compared to drinking measured amounts like beer.
A BORG often contains about 25.6 fluid ounces (or 3.2 cups) of vodka, equivalent to approximately 17 standard drinks, which is a massive amount of alcohol. The National Institutes of Health defines binge drinking as consuming more than four standard drinks for females and more than five for males within two hours.
Health Risks
Health experts advise that no amount of alcohol is entirely safe. The World Heart Federation stated in 2022 that there is no level of alcohol consumption that is safe for health. For those who choose to drink, moderation is key. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no more than three ounces of alcohol per day for women and four ounces for men.
The liver can process about one ounce of alcohol per hour. Consuming a BORG can overwhelm the liver’s capacity to metabolize alcohol, particularly for individuals not tolerant to alcohol. The sweetened and diluted nature of BORGs makes them more palatable, leading to higher consumption, but it does not enhance the liver’s ability to process alcohol.