Oregon study ties teen ‘choking game’ to rural setting, mental health and substance abuse

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A new report suggests a large number of eighth-graders in Oregon have taken part in the “choking game,” the dangerous practice of choking each other to get a feeling of euphoria.

As many as 2,600 eighth-graders may have risked injury, long-term disability or even death by trying the so-called “game” that also carries nicknames such as “Pass-Out,” ”Space Monkey,” ”Flatliner” and “Blackout.”

“That’s a lot of kids,” said Dr. Mel Kohn, the state public health director.

The results of the Oregon Public Health survey released Thursday by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta were compiled from responses from nearly 8,000 eighth-graders at 114 schools in Oregon.

The survey, conducted in 2008, also showed that more than a third of those eighth-graders had heard about the choking game.

Almost 3 percent of those responding said they had helped someone, while about 6 percent said they had participated themselves. Read more