Nearly one-third of college-age 'BORG' drinkers report blacking out
· Medical Xpressby Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
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A newly popular college drinking trend, the blackout rage gallon (BORG), fosters binge drinking and can lead to a host of alcohol-related harms, according to a new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, published by Rutgers University.
Prevalent in the drinking culture at many U.S. colleges and universities since around 2020, BORGs are 1-gallon plastic jugs filled with alcohol and a choice of mixers and flavorings. Preparation for a BORG event, which is often a daytime gathering such as a tailgate or festival, typically involves decorating one's personal BORG with a clever phrase or social media–ready pun—for example, "It's BORG o'clock somewhere" or "BORG to be wild."
"Excessive drinking in young adults has been fueled by drinking games for many decades," says lead researcher Andrea C. King, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago. "But the mixing of hard liquor and additive flavorings in BORGs may be particularly harmful given the sweetness of the beverage and the lure of sharing one's BORG and tasting others' concoctions."
A gallon built for excess
The gallon-sized drink can contain up to a fifth of liquor, or about 17 standard drinks, according to survey answers obtained from more than 100 study participants from a range of private and public U.S. colleges and universities. King's study is the first to present data on BORG use, as well as users' and nonusers' perceptions and attitudes, positive and negative consequences, and future intentions.
"Nearly one-third of respondents said they experienced a blackout from a BORG event," says King. "While almost all reported getting buzzed or drunk, some (17%) vomited, and many (59%) said or did embarrassing things, we know that blackouts—that is, disruptions in memory consolidation due to heavy imbibing of alcohol—are a more serious consequence."
The study also refers to reports of BORG use resulting in injuries and emergency room visits in several instances.
Social media myths persist
Such findings underscore misconceptions about BORGs, which social media influencers originally touted as supporting harm-reduction efforts: Some BORG recipe ingredients shared online include electrolytes, caffeine and/or water to offset a hangover or minimize drunkenness. The study's data show that BORGs do not support these positive effects.
"BORG use was fueled on social media during the pandemic as a way to reduce virus transmission and drink contamination," adds King. Yet study participants reported frequently sharing their BORGs with others. Further, they are not simply a pandemic-based phenomenon, as BORG use remains popular at special events, day-drinking parties or tailgating before sporting games.
Warnings may not deter use
Despite the incidence of alcohol-related harms, many participants said they will likely continue to engage in BORG drinking. Yet studies such as King's can inform prevention and education efforts, starting with awareness on the part of both students and parents.
"Having an open discussion can go a long way toward reducing harms at college," says King. "There are choice points along the way, ranging from whether to attend a BORG event, and if one does attend, whether to bring a BORG beverage and how much (if any) alcohol to put in the beverage. It doesn't have to be all-or-none, as being aware and mindful to minimize risks can be key."
Publication details
Andrea C. King et al, Living up to their name: Blackout rage gallons (BORGs) marked by high-intensity drinking and alcohol consequences in college students, Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs (2026). DOI: 10.15288/jsad.25-00414
Journal information: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
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