Just Say Yes To Death
Is a little pot all that damaging? Not as damaging as "the choking game," which is allegedly killing a bunch of teenagers:
For a 30-second rush, it can cause brain damage, cardiac arrest, physical injuries from falling or death from asphyxiation, according to doctors.Medical examiners across the country are just beginning to realize that some teenage deaths ruled suicides may actually be accidents. A conference in Los Angeles last month of the National Assn. of Medical Examiners featured a seminar suggesting that coroners have been slow to recognize the phenomenon of "asphyxial games."
Los Angeles police say the occasional accidental strangulations they encounter seem to reflect a different mission — autoerotic self-asphyxiation by young men to heighten sexual sensations.
And UCLA's online advice forum for school mental health professionals suggests that the choking game appeals to disturbed, destructive teens for whom "getting high" is a "disguised behavior to temporarily release unbearable pain from emotional wounds."
But are our kids really sexobsessed emotional cripples, or just bored and restless teens, bred to be afraid of drugs but craving momentary escape from the pressure to get good grades, excel in sports, manage busy social lives?
Adults unwind with a drag on a cigarette, a stop at happy hour, a glass of wine with dinner. Why does it shock us to imagine that our kids come home from school, finish their homework, then retreat to their closets with a belt?
It just feels good.
That's the explanation I got from a friend of mine who admitted playing the game 35 years ago in his basement with buddies. Listening to him reminisce about its heady rush and dream-like floating sensation, I wonder if I should hide his belts.
And suddenly the choking game frightens me. Not because it is hard to fathom, but because I understand how a curious 14-year-old might consider it worth the risk.
UPDATE: Here's a link from France, but in English, about the same "game."
Wow, it took me 10 minutes to realize that the story you were linking to was the one on the front page of the LATimes with such a cryptic title the most awful writing:
It's true, you're in NYC, so you missed the paper version. Here's what's on the front page:
"Sasha Is Dead, but Why?
We give our children loving homes. We trust them and respect their space. And we think we know them -- but their friends know better.
By Sandy Banks, Times Staff Writer"
Thankfully, their web editor created a title that actually tells what it's all about right away:
"Choking Game' Torments Parents
By Sandy Banks
The Sepasis are trying to figure out why their daughter performed the fatal activity."
Thank you, that's better. I would have missed that story if it were not for you linking to it! Have fun in NYC
can you believe the
Emmanuelle at November 18, 2005 7:56 AM
I think Sandy Banks is just awful, and I rarely link to a story without mentioning who wrote it, but I had to make an exception in her case. I only linked to it because I was interested in that tiny corner of the issue -- the "Say No To Drugs" aspect. People need escapes. Encouraging responsible drug use is wiser than forbidding any drinking or drug use. Because my parents didn't forbid drinking, when I wanted to see what it was like to get drunk, I did it at 15 or 16, at my cousin's wedding, so my dad would be there in case something bad happened. I drank a whole bunch of (ecch!) vodka and Tab, and threw up on the way home, and all my dad said was "Bet you're not going to overdo it like that again," and he was right. I think I was the only person I knew who never got sick drunk in college.
Amy Alkon at November 18, 2005 8:04 AM
Coroners are just catching the drift of this? I heard about such tragedies while teaching high school and that's at least 15 years ago.
dloye at November 18, 2005 9:21 AM
I find it interesting that Sandy has her first by-line in what? a year? right as layoffs are a'comin'. THe story is compelling, but her writing is so drippy, yet flat.
KateCoe at November 18, 2005 9:38 AM
"People need escapes. Encouraging responsible drug use is wiser than forbidding any drinking or drug use."
And you know, it's a lot harder to screw up and kill yourself with pot than it is with asphyxiation.
Sheila at November 18, 2005 11:29 AM
This is how Michael Hutchence and Jerzy Kozinski died (separately, of course)
Todd Everett at November 18, 2005 11:53 AM
As dloye mentions, this behavior has been around a long time. The underground artist Vaughn Bode died 30 years ago this year as a result of autoerotic asphyxiation, and it was common enough at the time that it was recognized as such.
Alan at November 18, 2005 11:55 AM
Sheila, you're funny. I guess if a bale of the stuff fell on you, it could break your neck. Otherwise, I don't believe the munchies are fatal.
Amy Alkon at November 18, 2005 4:47 PM
Plus Clyde Bruckman.
Jim Treacher at November 18, 2005 5:57 PM
My son died this way too - 16 years old - almost a year ago.
Loni at November 18, 2005 10:43 PM
Condolences!
Crid at November 18, 2005 10:44 PM
Loni, I am so sorry. I can't imagine anything worse than losing a child.
deja pseu at November 19, 2005 6:27 AM
Just for the record, IMDB's biography says that Bruckman committed suicide by shooting himself in the head (so to speak):
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0115669/bio
Todd Everett at November 20, 2005 9:05 AM
Giving kids pot isn't going to keep them from participating in moronic behavior. I bet more kids die from stupid behavior related to drinking and smoking pot than all the kids that have choked themselves to death.
nash at November 20, 2005 10:01 AM
My 13 year old son, Gabriel Mordecai died on May 6,2005 as a result of playing this game...
Since that day, there are now 39 documented deaths due to playing the 'choking game'.
Awareness and education are still needed... Ignorance I assure you, is anything but bliss..
Still loving all four of my children,
Sarah Pacatte
NickSerna.com
Stop-the-choking-game.com
sarah pacatte at January 5, 2006 5:14 AM
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