Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Mass General for Children, has raised concerns regarding the consumption of BORGs, or "Blackout Rage Gallons." This trend gained attention recently when Boston police confiscated multiple BORGs during the St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston.

Typically, a BORG contains a significant amount of alcohol—often vodka—mixed with water, caffeine, and electrolytes. The idea behind this concoction is to allow individuals to drink throughout the day while remaining hydrated and alert, ostensibly to prevent hangovers. However, the reality is that the alcohol content is alarmingly high. Some recipes recommend filling half a gallon jug with vodka, equating to around 30 to 40 shots of alcohol.

Dr. Hadland emphasized that even if consumed over a long period, this amount leads to serious health risks, including alcohol poisoning, which can result in mental status changes, loss of consciousness, and vomiting. Historically, there have been incidents—in 2021, about two dozen students at UMass were hospitalized after drinking BORGs all day.

Currently, this trend primarily involves college students, who may find the audacious idea of carrying a bright gallon jug appealing. Although most teenagers do not consume alcohol, those who do often try to conceal it, making BORGs less common among high school students. However, trends from college often trickle down to younger age groups, prompting concern regarding the potential spread of this hazardous practice.

For more information about responsible drinking, visit Mass General for Children.