The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has warned members of the public against the consumption of alcohol through the rectum.
In a statement on Friday, August 9, NACADA said the alcohol uptake through the rectum is dangerous and poses significant health complications.
“The Authority's attention is drawn to a current media production that has since gone viral, showing alcohol enemas (also called butt chugging or boofing) allegedly adopted by the youth in Kenya. This trend, if indeed factual, poses enormous health concerns and calls for an urgent inquiry by relevant stakeholders.
“Alcohol enema is the introduction of alcohol into the body through the rectum. 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,” read the statement in part.
The authority noted that the traditional methods of consumption allow the body to metabolize and regulate the intake of alcohol.
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According to NACADA, alcohol enemas could lead to alcohol poisoning which can appear as confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, hypothermia, or unconsciousness.
It can also lead to rectum colon damage due to the direct contact of alcohol and delicate tissues in the rectum could lead to severe health problems such as ulcers and rectal bleeding.
“With the heightened rate of absorption, alcoholic beverages may lead to sudden unconsciousness, respiratory failure, or death in users. d. Increased risk of infection: Including inflammation and tears in the mucosal lining and hepatitis,” NACADA stated.
The alcohol uptake through the rectum can further lead to lack of control over dosage, severe dehydration, impaired judgment leading to risky behavior and alcohol addiction.
“We strongly advise all individuals, more so the youth, to desist from such dangerous practices. NACADA maintains that alcohol enemas, as well as any other forms of alcohol and substance abuse, are life-threatening practices that should be avoided,” the authority added.
