The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has issued a warning to Kenyans regarding the dangerous practice of consuming alcohol through the rectum (Alcohol Enemas).
NACADA’s attention was drawn to a viral media production showing alcohol enemas, also known as butt chugging or boofing reportedly adopted by some youth in Kenya.
This method involves a mechanism of getting intoxicated through ingesting alcohol into the rectum through the anus.
The authority expressed serious health concerns about this trend and called for an urgent investigation by relevant stakeholders.
“Compared to other methods of consumption, this route is extremely dangerous and poses a significant health risk due to very rapid absorption into the bloodstream,” reads the statement in part.
“In contrast to traditional methods of consumption that allow the body to metabolize and regulate the intake, alcohol enemas bypass these natural defenses.”
How the Alcohol is ingested in the Rectum
Alcohol-soaked tampons and funnels are used to ingest alcohol into the rectum and colon, allowing it to enter the bloodstream directly and bypass the body’s normal metabolism process.
This process prevents the alcohol from passing through the liver, which contains the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) responsible for reducing the alcohol’s toxicity.
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Why People Practice Alcohol Enemas
This bizarre method of alcohol consumption is known to hasten intoxication and avoid the unpleasant odor, taste, and hangovers associated with drinking.
Reports indicate that individuals may use alcohol enemas for various reasons, including sexual pleasure, suicide attempts, or peer pressure.
Additionally, some people prefer this method because it prevents vomiting, which can occur with oral alcohol consumption.
NACADA Lists Effect of Alcohol Enemas
NACADA said alcohol enemas causes alcohol Poisoning which can appear as confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, hypothermia or unconsciousness.
It also causes rectum or colon damage as the direct contact of alcohol with delicate tissues in the rectum could lead to severe health problems. It can also lead to ulcers and rectal bleeding.
Furthermore, it causes life-threatening Complications such as sudden unconsciousness, respiratory failure, or death in users.
There is also increased risk of Infection including inflammation and tears in the mucosal lining and hepatitis and lack of control over dosage.
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Severe dehydration, impaired judgement leading to risky behavior and alcohol dependence, or addiction are also among the effects associated to consumption of alcohol in this manner as it is more potent and a faster gateway to alcohol use disorder.
The authority advised all individuals, more so the youth, to desist from such dangerous practices.
It maintained that alcohol enemas, as well as any other forms of alcohol and substance abuse, are life-threatening practices that should be avoided.
“Cognizant that social media is a powerful communication medium that can be used to promote new emerging, unconventional, and harmful ways of substance use, NACADA calls on all stakeholders to positively engage with the youth so as to avoid the spread of adverse information and consequent adoption of harmful practices,” the authority added.
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