Alcohol Enema: Everything you need to know about the drinking trend that can kill you

Alcohol enema, also known as boofing and butt chugging, has taken centre stage among Generation Z as their alleged most recent trend. It involves a mechanism of getting intoxicated through ingesting alcohol into the rectum through the anus. 

How an alcohol enema is done

Alcohol-soaked tampons and funnels are used to ingest the alcohol into the bloodstream through the rectum and then the colon, bypassing the body’s metabolism process. 

This process prevents the alcohol from passing through the liver, which contains the enzymes called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) that facilitate the lessening of toxicity contained in the alcohol. 

Additionally, some women insert alcohol-soaked tampons into their vaginas to get intoxicated fast. Medics say that doing this will destroy the vagina. The soaked tampon stays in the vagina until the intoxication starts kicking in. 

Most young people use this mechanism to conceal their breath and avoid getting caught by their guardians. However, the vagina is a very delicate sexual organ, and it can cause discomfort and pain, and vaginal ulcers to the sexual organ. In addition, it could also bring yeast infections and Urinary Tract infections (UTIs). 

Why do people practice alcohol enemas?

This bizarre method of alcohol consumption is widely known to hasten intoxication and avoid the reeking of alcohol, its unpleasant taste, and hangovers. 

Reports show that people often try out alcohol enemas for sexual pleasure, suicide attempts, and even due to peer pressure. In addition, people prefer it since there is prevention of vomiting, unlike when alcohol is ingested through the mouth. 

Some young people do it due to curiosity to experience the maximum effects of alcohol that the phenomenon brings.

Does alcohol enema pose any health risks?

It is all fun and games until there are health risks involved and even possibly death. 

Despite making someone feel uncomfortable, especially for a first-timer, it causes a burning sensation in the anus, black stool, and interference with bowel movement, as most people struggle with constipation.  

Alcohol poisoning may occur since the alcohol is ingested in large amounts, which flows directly into the bloodstream, and this could be fatal.

Alcohol enema could cause damage to the anus through chemical proctocolitis, which is the inflammation in the colon which is as a result of irritation in its inner lining.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported a case of a 21-year-old male who decided to pump 1.8 litres of alcohol with a siphon into his anus to rid himself of insomnia. The unidentified male would later lose consciousness and get admitted to a hospital for nine days. He was diagnosed with chemical proctocolitis.

How people can indulge in alcohol enema responsibly

Experts recommend ingesting a smaller percentage of alcohol to reduce the potential health risks.

It is advisable to do it with a sober companion so that in case things go wrong, there will be someone to assist.

However, experts strongly advise against people practicing boofing, arguing that alcohol should only be consumed orally, and if taken in large amounts, it could result in death.