A DRINKING craze that has spread across the UK and is becoming popular here in Fermanagh, has come in for criticism from an authority on alcohol here.
The ‘neck and nominate’ game, thought to have originated in Australia, has spread from across the UK and into the county in the last number of weeks.
Those taking part are ‘nominated’ to drink a pint of alcohol in one go, record it on a video, before posting online and nominating a friend by ‘tagging’ them in the video, to do the same thing.
It is most popular on social media site, Facebook, and often users will attempt to ‘outdo’ the person that had originally nominated them.
The pints of alcohol are not limited to, say, a can of lager. Those taking part in the game often use a mixture of beers, spirits and wines – and for comedic effect, body supplements, food or other substances.
Emmett Lynch, of ‘Time 2 Change’ who has worked with young people across the county on issues surrounding alcohol, described the videos as a ‘worrying trend’.
“Taking a large volume of alcohol in a short period of time can cause the individual to become very vulnerable.
“The human liver and vital organs are well designed, however it struggles to cope when we exceed the recommended drinking amounts.
“It is unfortunate that people find this type of drinking game enjoyable and fun, in many ways it is a reflection on the society as alcohol misuse is been normalised on a regular bases.”
Mr Lynch added: “It may appear fun at the time, however these videos do not follow the person the day after a night of drinking.
“Alcohol has been proven to reduce an individual’s mode and emotional well being, if the person is regularly exceeding the safe drinking amount.”
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