Alcohol and BDSM

[graceanne]

i don't drink very often even outside of BDSM. i never have been much of a drinker. i like an occasional glass of wine and may drink a few mixed drinks when we go out for dinner, and/or with friends. Alcohol doesn't like *me* though. Being on the low end weight wise, it doesn't take much to get me drunk. As much as i like to drink though, i don't like hangovers, so i only drink in moderation.

During times when we are 'playing' , i get enough of a high off of all that He is doing to my body and my mind ... no reason at all for alcohol, here.

*smirks* I rarely drink, even more rarely get drunk (and when I do it's cause he's feeing me alcohol), and when I do I don't have hangovers! hahahaha

 

[O'Mac]

*smirks* I rarely drink, even more rarely get drunk (and when I do it's cause he's feeing me alcohol), and when I do I don't have hangovers! hahahaha

I share you're inability to develop hangovers. I'm not sure if it's a combination of what I drink or that I usually have a few bites to eat, but I've gotten off Scot-free so many times when all my friends are in such terrible states after a night out.

 

[graceanne]

I share you're inability to develop hangovers. I'm not sure if it's a combination of what I drink or that I usually have a few bites to eat, but I've gotten off Scot-free so many times when all my friends are in such terrible states after a night out.

Seriously ticks K off. Last time I got drunk my sister in law was over and we were playng some card game where you have to drink shots when you loose. We didn't go to bed till 6, and I got up with the kids at 8, and was fine. K could barely see straight.

 

[SweetDommes]

I voted no - but we do understand that there is a difference between having a glass or two and getting drunk. We don't drink much, so it has never been an issue with us, but there are just too many things that can go wrong if someone mis-judges how drunk they really are. Someone having a glass or two with dinner, then playing afterwards is totally different (in my mind, at least) then someone who goes out, eats a handfull of pretzels or whatever and drinks 5+ and then tries to scene. As someone else pointed out, it slows reaction times, so no matter how sober one thinks they still are, there are changes in their abilities that could be dangerous, just like when driving a car.

 

[graceanne]

I voted no - but we do understand that there is a difference between having a glass or two and getting drunk. We don't drink much, so it has never been an issue with us, but there are just too many things that can go wrong if someone mis-judges how drunk they really are. Someone having a glass or two with dinner, then playing afterwards is totally different (in my mind, at least) then someone who goes out, eats a handfull of pretzels or whatever and drinks 5+ and then tries to scene. As someone else pointed out, it slows reaction times, so no matter how sober one thinks they still are, there are changes in their abilities that could be dangerous, just like when driving a car.

I agree. We also don't when we're both drinking, cause I can't judge how drunk he is, and he can't judge how drunk I am.

 

[catalina_francisco]

What's with everyone treating acohol as if it's some sort of soul-destroying voodoo elixir?

I drink on occasion (generally restricted to weekends) and I have no problem maintaining my self-control unless I choose to go all out and drink myself to a stupor. I certainly don't need alcohol to cope with anything in my life. I just happen to like sitting down in a pub on a Saturday afternoon, watch the football, and get to the maical happy stage of inebriation with a friend or two.

As for mixing alcohol and BDSM, I don't see the harm in having a few pints before cracking the whip (so to speak), though I would agree over-intoxication would be irresponsible. Being a little tipsy mean you start to lose some inhibitions and you may find yourself doing things you normally wouldn't think of. If anything, alcohol in moderation could increase you're enjoyment.

That is part of the point....you do things you would not usually do, even though you do not consider yourself 'affected' by the alcohol. If you are not affected, your judgement not altered, why do you do things you would normally feel were inappropriate or just not a good idea when you have had a couple of drinks ?

Saw an interesting interview recently with the actress Tracy Goldman about her experience with drinking. As she pointed out, her husband had had a few drinks at a friends party and because of that impairing his judgement, he insisted she drive the family home even though she also had had a couple of drinks but to all appearances and their thinking, was still sober. She pointed out it was something neither of them would consider if they were stone cold sober, but seemed the only choice at the time because their usual common sense was impaired. Unfortunately, on the way home she lost control of the vehicle and her children and husband all received serious injuries and were hospitalised while she was carted off to prison. As she also pointed out, no-one at the party had thought she was affected by alcohol and should not drive either.

Combine those diminished abilities to make accurate judgements with BDSM, especially SM activities, and you are playing a dangerous game of russian roulette. If you are on the recieving end and been drinking and something goes drastically wrong, the situation can become worse due to increased blood flow and if you require medical treatment, can affect what can be administered safely. It may lower inhibitions, but part of that means those inhibitions which act to protect you are also lowered or non-existant. Then as I and a few others have said before, if you honestly enjoy what you are doing so much, why is alcohol or drugs required to make the experience enjoyable, better, or more fun?

Catalina

 

[MechaBlade]

I'm not a believer in mixing alcohol or any substance abuse with play simply for the safety factor.

Exactly. BDSM is all about control. Alcohol can make you lose control. Both dom(me)s and subs need to be sober and aware.

The pain I dispense should be intoxicating enough.