What's New
In 2008, nearly 6% of Oregon 8th-graders reported ever having participated in the choking game, and more than 1 in 3 youth were aware of this dangerous activity. Participation was higher among youth who also had substance use or mental health risk factors, and among rural youth. Oregon is the first state to conduct a systematic study on this behavior.

What We Already Know:
During 1995-2007, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identified 82 deaths among children and adolescents related to participation in the choking game.

What's Important for Public Health
Parents, educators, health care providers and others who work with youth should be aware of these activities and their dangerous consequences. They should be able to look for and be able to recognize signs of choking game participation, especially among youth with substance use or mental health risk factors.

DHS Press Release:
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2010news/2010-0114.pdf