Help! Choking Game Scare!

There are lots of nonprofit counseling services out there that will charge them a sliding scale fee (or nothing) depending on their financial situation. Maybe their local Catholic Charities or other nonprofit organization (note: they don't have to be Catholic to get help from this organization. They are a federal 501(c)(3) organization, meaning they help everyone, regardless of their faith). They should also talk to the school counselor or principal. They probably know of resources that they might be eligible for. They should also realize that these may just be symptoms of a much bigger issue, such as a learning disability, depression, or drug use.

If they are members of a church (or you are), then talk to the pastor, and see if they have any recomendations for some kind of counseling. Or maybe talk to his school's counselor. It sounds like he really does need some kind of therapy/counseling. Maybe they can get your sister in touch with a counselor that will work with them. I'll keep your nephew and the family in my prayers.

It is VERY serious! Go read everything on this website for more background on this "game".
http://www.stop-the-choking-game.com/en/home.html

It is addictive, damages the brain due to lack of oxygen, and can be deadly. You can also call 211 to find help in his area. They are able to help with conseling, doctors, educational help, and other social services, like food and housing help.

This "game" is sometimes used as a stress reliever and/or escape from depression or for thrill seeking. The lack of oxygen does create a type of rush or high that can be addictive, and it becomes very deadly when an adolescent decided to "play" by himself and there is not a friend there to rescue him.

My husband has been trained in recognizing and talking to schools about the choking game. The trainer was Officer Scott Metheny. His email is ____@____.com He works for the website that I listed above. Officer Metheny may be able to give you more concrete help and answers.

Thank you for being involved in your nephew's life. He is very lucky to have someone who loves and cares about him so much!

i dont have any advice but i found this website http://www.deadlygameschildrenplay.com

I hate to be scary, but I agree that this is very serious. I had no idea such a thing existed until a friends of the family lost their son to this "game". At first it was ruled a suicide, but it made no sense because he was doing great in school, West Point, well-liked, and had never shown any signs of depression, etc. Finally they found out it was an accidental death when he was alone and attempted to "play" this "game". Whether your nephew is just bored, showing off, or something more serious, this is not something to be taken lightly. I am praying for him and the family. Please do whatever it takes to get help.

I'm really sorry your sister is going through this, I will pray for her and your nephew. You need to pray too, believe in GOD. Prayer is free. Secondly, like one other suggestion, talk to the pastor, if she doesn't belong to a church REALLY encourage her to join one. Something is really bothering him and he doesn't know how to handle it. I'm sure your sister has done everything she can possibly do, be his friend, be his parent and discipline him. I would talk to the school, as well as every county has programs for trouble youth. Obviously she's not the only one going through this if his friends are too. I'm not a psychologist, just a mother who cares. I hate to say this but maybe a "tough love" approach is the only way to get through to him. Please have her seek counsel in a church environment.
God bless your family!