mind altering?

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If you're doing edgy stuff, diminished capacity can be dangerous.

The top can make a mistake. The bottom can fail to realize they've been physically injured.

I'd stay away from it.

For sure safety is a concern when involving substances. Obviously any blood play should never be combined with a drug that reduces your ability to clot. NSAIDs and alcohol included. I don't do blood stuff but accidents happen. Impaired decision making is also a concern.

It's a fine line, however. One too many and suddenly the pain to pleasure sensations don't seem to happen.

Good point Amber, certainly wouldn't want to diminish either of these!

If alcohol (or drugs) is what removes someone's inhibitions and allows them to enjoy themselves more fully, perhaps an examination of why that is so would be helpful.

You're right on here. I guess personally it's not about removing inhibitions but being in a different head space.