Neknominate - A Dangerous Drinking Game

Neknominate, or neck and nominate is an extremely dangerous online drinking game where people challenge each other to do things like drink a pint of beer in one gulp. They upload the footage and nominate two or three other people to do the same or surpass them within 24 hours.

This perilous game initially began with alcohol, but has advanced to daring someone to add engine oil or protein powder to drinks. Some have filmed themselves doing backflips, drinking while driving, publically drinking, and spinning around on an ATV. The footage is shared on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Cemetary (Photo credit: mikecollar)

In fact, some youths have died in Ireland due to participation in Neknomination. Jonny Byrne, 19, died after drinking then jumping into a river. Isaac Richardson, 20, died after promising to “out do others” by drinking a beer, a quarter bottle of whiskey and white wine with vodka.

Young adults in the UK and Australia were also killed while partaking in Neknomination. Rosanna O’Connor, Director of Alcohol and Drugs at Public Health England said, “the game’s encouragement of participants to outdo each other with ever more reckless stunts brings with it significant risks of alcohol-related harm including acute intoxication, accidents and injury. There is also the potential for cyber bullying of those who are seen to ‘chicken out’. It has already cost lives and we would advise anyone against taking part in the game to avoid putting themselves in a potentially dangerous situation.”

Clinical psychologist Stanley Goldstein said, “when you have kids who don’t have a clear sense of who they are, they are more likely to be easily led by others who have the same kind of difficulties.” 

South Wales Police are investigating deaths due to Neknomination. People who dared others to do something dangerous, resulting in death, could face manslaughter charges. Lawyers warned those participating in this risky game there was a ‘good argument’ to move forward with indictments. 

Drinking games and daring people to do dangerous things is never a good idea. It can lead to death, injury, or legal consequences. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, Passport to Recovery offers a list of highly regarded drug and alcohol rehab centers for young adults and adults. The road to recovery is possible for anyone who desires it.