The

CHOKING GAME, a nationwide trend popular with youths ages 9 to 15, involves cutting off oxygen to the brain. The resulting rush from bursting brain cells is addictive and has caused numerous deaths.If the teen is passed out too long, the choking game can lead to death, serious brain damage, short-term memory loss, cardiac arrest, stroke, seizures or brain death.The choking game is called Tapping Out, Space Monkey, Space Cowboy, Black Hole, Knockout, Cloud Nine, Suffocation Roulette, Flatliner or the Fainting Game.

Many youths — boy and girls — are bright, happy, popular teens who avoid alcohol and other drugs.

• Watch for suspicious bruises on the side of the neck• A change in personality toward aggressiveness or feeling agitated,• A strap or rope the teen avoids explaining• Headaches• A loss of concentration• A flushed face• Noticeably bloodshot or stressed eyes• Disorientation after spending time alone• Angry outbursts.