'Borg' drinking trend and the UMass Amherst hospitalisations

2023

The 'blackout rage gallon' involves decanting a gallon water jug, refilling it with water, a large volume of spirits and flavouring. In March 2023, 46 students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst required hospital treatment following a day of borg drinking; all were discharged without serious injury. Advocates argued the format offered harm-reduction benefits through drink control, while clinicians warned the volumes normalised dangerous consumption.