A new disconcerting trend has been making its way around alcohol-drinking circles, especially among young Kenyans who are seeking to get high faster for less.
This recent method, which involves rectal ingestion over the common and highly advised oral ingestion, is referred to as Butt-Chugging or alcohol enema. It has been reported to be highly trendy regardless of warnings by medical experts.
The term “butt chugging” became widely known in 2006 following its depiction by Steve-O in the film “Jackass Number Two.” However, the practice itself has historical roots dating back thousands of years. Evidence suggests its use in ancient Mayan rituals and its prevalence during various historical periods, including colonial times, the Civil War era, Prohibition, and even during events like Woodstock.
Despite its long history, the dangers associated with butt chugging have been increasingly recognized, leading to warnings against its practice and efforts to discourage its use due to the significant health risks involved.
Dr. Onyango Ayo, a consultant gastroenterologist at Kenyatta National Hospital, speaks on the dangers of butt-chugging, including how it has been known to cause alcohol poisoning.
“It might seem exciting or an edgy way to consume alcohol, but it’s dangerous as it causes alcohol poisoning, tissue damage, infections, and other long-term health problems. People have died too,” warns Dr. Onyango Ayo.
How Butt-Chugging Works
Butt chugging, a dangerous practice, involves using an alcohol-soaked tampon or inserting a bottle into the rectum to deliver alcohol directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver.
The rectum and colon contain a network of blood vessels that can absorb substances like alcohol directly into the bloodstream, facilitating rapid absorption. Unlike oral consumption, where alcohol passes through the digestive system and is metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream, rectal administration allows alcohol to take effect more intensely and quickly.
“When alcohol is drunk through the mouth, it undergoes the digestive process and passes through the liver, where its potency is reduced. This is known as the first pass. If someone drinks too much of it, they vomit. However, when alcohol is taken through the rectum, it bypasses the liver, avoiding the first metabolic effect and entering the bloodstream directly. This leads to a faster and more intense high due to the high concentration of alcohol. Unfortunately, the body’s natural defense mechanism of vomiting is bypassed,” explains Dr. Ayo.
Risks and Dangers
Butt chugging poses serious health risks, including alcohol poisoning, where the rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration can lead to severe disorientation and even fatal consequences due to difficulty in assessing one’s level of intoxication.
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Additionally, the insertion of foreign objects can cause tissue damage, resulting in tearing or physical harm to the rectum and colon. The alcohol itself can further irritate and harm the delicate lining of these areas, leading to inflammation, infection, and long-term damage.
Furthermore, the practice increases the risk of infections in the rectum and colon due to the introduction of foreign objects and alcohol, leading to irritation and inflammation. Rectal bleeding and other complications may also occur due to the rapid absorption of alcohol.
Overall, butt chugging presents numerous hazards and should be avoided due to its potential for severe health consequences.
Treatment
There is no medical treatment for the side effects of butt chugging. The only suggestion is to avoid this practice and consume alcohol traditionally. Gastroenterologists warn that these lifestyle choices are hazardous and can have severe and long-term health consequences.
“There is no medical treatment for this, and the only suggestion is to avoid it and to consume alcohol traditionally. This is not a condition for which a doctor will provide you with a prescription or medication,” advises Dr. Ayo.
— By Ann Precious Kinyua
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