Vodka Tampons: What to Know

This can’t be true, can it? Are adolescent and adult girls really using vodka-soaked tampons as a way to get drunk? Let’s look beyond the headlines and find the facts about this supposed teen trend.

Why Are Girls Soaking Tampons in Vodka?

The practice of soaking tampons in vodka, sometimes known as “vodka tamponing” or “tamponing.” There’s no evidence of this being a widespread trend, however, in the rare cases of people doing this, they may soak tampons in vodka with the intention of getting intoxicated more quickly. The idea behind this practice is that the alcohol in the vodka is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the highly vascularized vaginal mucosa, bypassing the body’s natural defense mechanisms against alcohol toxicity. Some individuals may believe that this method allows them to achieve a faster and more intense high compared to consuming alcohol orally.

Dangers of Soaking Tampons in Vodka and Inserting Them Into Your Body

AAs we have seen with the Tide Pod Challenge, the choking game, and similar social media-fueled fads, there are always a few gullible or attention-starved people who will engage in just about any aberrant behavior when prompted, no matter how dangerous.

Inserting tampons soaked in vodka vaginally poses serious health risks and should be strongly discouraged. This can lead to rapid absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream through the highly vascularized vaginal mucosa. This method bypasses the body’s natural defenses against alcohol toxicity, such as vomiting and the liver’s metabolizing enzymes, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning. Additionally, the high alcohol concentration in the vagina can disrupt the natural balance of vaginal flora, leading to irritation, inflammation, and an increased susceptibility to infections such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Furthermore, the absorbent material of the tampon can cause irritation or damage to the delicate vaginal tissues. Overall, vodka tamponing is an extremely dangerous and irresponsible practice that can have severe consequences for both physical health and well-being. It should be strongly discouraged and avoided at all costs.

Signs Someone Is Soaking Tampons in Vodka

The following signs could indicate that a teen’s alcohol use has progressed beyond the experimental “just a sip” stage into a harmful behavior pattern that could jeopardize their health and even threaten their life:

• They have begun to withdraw from family and friends.
• You suspect they have been lying or otherwise deceitful about how they’ve been spending their time and who they’ve been associating with.
• They exhibit sudden, seemingly unexplainable shifts in mood, attitude, and energy level.
• Their performance in school and/or at work has dropped precipitously.
• They have been disciplined for uncharacteristic behavior problems in school or at work.
• They no longer participate in sports, clubs, hobbies, or other activities that used to be very important to them.
• Their appearance, appetite, and/or sleep patterns have changed.

On their own, none of these signs are definitive proof that a teen has been drinking or using other dangerous substances. But they can absolutely be warning signs that something has gone awry in their life. 

What To Do if You Suspect Someone Is Doing This

If you fear that a teen may have a drinking problem, don’t ignore your suspicions.

Young people who become dependent on alcohol or other drugs may be incapable of ending their substance abuse without professional assistance. If they feel like they need to hide what they’ve been doing, they may be unwilling to ask for help.

Here are a few positive steps that parents can take:

• Talk to your teen about the dangers of alcohol abuse, and encourage them to come to you if they have questions. Ideally, you should begin this ongoing conversation before you suspect that your child has been drinking, so that you can build a healthy relationship based on openness, honesty, and trust.
• If you think your child has been drinking or using other substances, don’t shy away from sharing your concerns with them. You may be angry or disappointed, but try to prevent this conversation from descending into an argument. 
• Approaching this topic from with compassion and understanding may be especially important if your teen has developed an addiction. Addictions are chronic, progressive diseases that can be cured through punishment. Instead, your child may need professional care to learn how to manage their urges and regain control of their behaviors.
• Listen to your child. They may be dismissive, defensive, or angry. Or they may confess what they’ve been doing and ask for help. You can’t know how they feel or what they think unless you give them the opportunity to speak. This is another reason to resist the urge to lecture. Forcing your child to hide or deny what they’ve been doing may only make the problem worse.
• Get professional help. Talk to your family doctor, your child’s therapist (if they have one), or another expert. They can assess the situation objectively and offer informed guidance. If your child has alcohol use disorder (which is the clinical term for alcoholism), they may also be able to refer you to trusted addiction treatment providers in your area.

Contact Los Angeles Detox to Discuss Our Array of Alcohol Treatment Options

The good news about alcohol addiction is that it is a treatable condition. When your child gets the care they need, they can end their alcohol use and learn how to live a drug-free life.

Los Angeles Detox is a trusted source of personalized guidance for individuals and families that have been impacted by alcoholism and other substance use disorders. We can assess your teen’s needs and help you identify the programs and services that are best for them. Working together, we can put your teen on the path toward a much healthier and more hopeful future.

To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.