Quote From: vanka_deeI only learned about this "chocking game" a couple of weeks ago on Dateline ..or was it 20/20? Oh what difference does it make, it was one of those kinds of shows. Now keep in mind, I'm only 18 and I was completely in shock. I'd NEVER heard of this. Granted, I was the goody-two-shoes that spent most nights at home studying. But I went to the occasional party, drank a little bit my senior year and watched some of the frightening things other people did. I couldn't believe the stories I heard about this though. It's sad and appalling really. It leads me to wonder who would come up with an idea like this. And why? I know I've always over-analyzed everything and that's probably what kept me out of trouble most of the time, but I really wonder what runs through the mind of a person that thinks playing with death is a game. My friend found her brother hanging in the garage ..it'll be 4 years in October now and I can tell you it wasn't funny. She's never been the same and neither has the rest of her family. If any "invincible" junior high student happens to be reading this, I hope you remember to think about what you do to those around you when you do such stupid things to yourself whether the end result is intentional or not.
-Kristin
I wanted to give a little perspective from someone who actually struggles with playing this 'game.' First off all, a lot of people don't realize this, but the 'choking game' can be addictive. It can be horribly addictive. I am an adult, and I was introduced to this 'game' at a sleepover when I was nine. I want to say to all of you who are calling those who do this 'stupid' are only hurting us more and making it even harder for us to stop. There are probably other people reading this who are struggling with this addiction. And yes, it is an addiction, like drugs or alchohol, gamblilng, or overeating- except that it is potentially even more damaging than most of these things. Chances are some of the people making these snide remarks have people they love who are addicted to this. It is not easy to just stop. Whether it is the endorphon 'high' one gets from it, or the thrill of having cheated death or the sense of release from emotions, people get addicted. Calling them stupid does not help them, and there are probably other people reading this who are doing it who are too afraid to write but who are hurt deeply by these comments (And I can't imagine the parents of those who died feeling too good either) People who do this know that others consider it stupid. That's why they don't seek help. That, and they are convinced that no one would understand. Sadly, they are often right. I have sought help from a counselor and was greeted with a complete lack of understanding. I also joined an online support group for addictions and was laughed at and basically sent packing. Well, now there is a place for those of us who struggle. There is a new yahoogroup for anyone who is struggling with this activity, and for those who love them and intend to be supportive. Anyone coming to tear people down will be banned and reported. If you want to join, go to http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/stopchoking/ It was started by a concerned friend and we are looking for a mental health professional with experience in this area to participate in the group.
This activity becomes addictive, and after a while, it is no longer fun. You kind of hate doing it, but you cannot stop. You think about it when you shouldn't, and you suffer, for the most part, in silence. You know that each time you give in and tie up that cord or rope or belt that this could be the time you mistime releasing it and die. But often there is denial, it won't happen to me, after all, I've done it so many times before...and those little voices tell you its ok to do it.
If you have never done this activity DON'T START. IT IS NOT EVEN REMOTELY WORTH IT. Some people will do it once and never again but some people won't be able to stop.
(Original Airdate: 09/27/05) It's a game many kids call "Space Monkey," or "the choking game," but the consequences could be deadly. Robin witnessed her 14-year-old daughter and her friends giggling, choking and passing out. But what Robin saw was no laughing matter. Find out why her daughter enjoys the game, despite its dangerous repercussions. Then, Sarah's 13-year-old son made headlines when he died playing the choking game. How can she move past the guilt? Plus, Dr. Phil addresses a trend that looks innocent on the surface, but can affect teens in the worst way. Share your thoughts, join the discussion.
