Posted on Wed, Oct 20, 2010 : 5:22 p.m.
'Choking game' had deadly results for Ann Arbor teenager
By Cindy Heflin
A Marney Rich Keenan column in The Detroit News tells the story of Ann Arbor mother Monica West, who found her teenage daughter dead in her closet of what's often referred to as "The Choking Game."
Adolescents sometimes use scarves or ropes to restrict the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain to create a brief feeling of euphoria. Keenan writes that lack of information means there are few prevention programs for the deadly game.
Comments
little bird
Mon, Oct 25, 2010 : 5:27 p.m.
I also have to disagree with Paul. I played this game 20 years ago with an older babysitter (who was probably 12 at the time) and we routinely passed out by means of choking each other. It had nothing to do with the auto erotic asphyxiation you're presuming it is. Like Brandon suggested, it was a "game" to us, similar to "Chinese Torture" and many other physical harm games we engaged in. I remember doing it to feel accepted, not to get off.
Milton Shift
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 5:59 a.m.
Let's ban the choking game and make possession, sale, or manufacture of choking theory a felony punishable by life. And whoever delivered choking theory to these two should get life....If anything's a good reason for legal weed, this is it. Kids are resorting to ever stupider means for a high.
Joe Hood
Wed, Oct 20, 2010 : 10:39 p.m.
@Daneene Paul is clearly quoting from a professional publication and goes on to put in quotes the portion that you are offended. Wow, if some people feel asphyxiation is normal, how do we bring attention to something that's killing kids? My opinion is that this is not normal.
Daneene
Wed, Oct 20, 2010 : 8:28 p.m.
I take offense that Paul's definition of auto erotic asphyxiation points a finger at people with "sexual and gender identity disorders". This behaviour can be found in anyone, of any sex or any sexual identity, and his comment smacks of homophobia. THAT is truly "frightening behaviour".
Mike
Wed, Oct 20, 2010 : 8:01 p.m.
Such a sad story. BTW... To AA.com: it has been noted on a number of occasions that having the smiling face of the journalist placed right next to a tragic headline just doesn't look right. To be diplomatic, it's downright awkward. How about simply inserting the journalist's name as a hotlink to another page that could include a picture and background info?
Paul
Wed, Oct 20, 2010 : 7:42 p.m.
Don't be rude, JE. I read the Detroit News article, but I also read the DSM-IV. It does not seem to be much of a "game" if children are dying as a result. Brandon, it seems that if these "games" are what children are "playing", they need professional assistance. My opinion. You do not have to agree.
JE
Wed, Oct 20, 2010 : 7:26 p.m.
@Paul---You obviously didn't read the column in the Detroit News.
Brandon
Wed, Oct 20, 2010 : 6:43 p.m.
@Paul; among teenagers and younger kids this sexual disorder isn't always the case. It's a game, similar to bloody knuckles and other physical harm games that kids do. I think your generalization is presumptuous.
Paul
Wed, Oct 20, 2010 : 6:10 p.m.
This sort of erotic asphyxiation has been around for years and is even mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fourth edition). The DSM-IV lists the behavior as more serious than the news article, this behavior is considered sexual and is included in the definition of "sexual and gender identity disorders". Parents should consult professionals if they believe their children are engaging in this frightening behavior.