Content/trigger warning: drugs
Disclaimer: The aim of this article is to explain the term “intox play” in the context of BDSM, as it crops up time and again in this area. It is not intended to be a call or a guide to playing under the influence of drugs or drug use in general.
What is intox play?
Intox play is the abbreviation for “intoxicated play“. However, this does not refer to the cocktail of endorphins, dopamine and adrenaline triggered by BDSM. It is the deliberate consumption of mind-expanding and mind-altering substances. One or more people may be intoxicated. Intoxicated play includes the consumption of everything from legal alcohol to hard drugs.
The practice of intox play differs from a session under the influence of drugs in that the intention is consciously chosen. During intox play, a conscious decision is made to become intoxicated. As preparation and therefore also part of the session. Nevertheless, the same principle applies to alcohol: Don’t kink and drink! It should go without saying that other substances should be taboo based on this principle.
Intox play is also often referred to as “chemsex”. This refers specifically to chemical drugs. This usually refers to various types of amphetamines such as methamphetamines and mephedrone, also known as bath salts, but also GHB and amyl nitrite, better known as poppers. These drugs have become very popular in the gay community since the 1980s. Most of them have a muscle-relaxing, intoxicating and disinhibiting effect. Effects that were particularly appreciated in the often shameful and pressurized community. Since the 1990s, there have also often been explicit drug parties with the aim of making the most of the experience as a collective.
Intox play is therefore an extreme form of edge play. Some people also count it as CNC, because: No complete, informed and legally valid consensus can be given under mind-altering drugs.
Why do people like intox play?
Uninhibited and free of shame: This is the state many people wish for when they fantasize about BDSM. Getting away from everyday life, letting go of habit, immersing yourself in another world, another self. As nice as these things sound, often the everyday self cannot simply be shaken off and the kinky self cannot fully unfold. In this moment, mind-altering substances seem to make it easier to tune in. Whether it’s just through the act of consumption as a kind of gateway ritual or whether the intoxicating effect overrides the initial reluctance.
There are many reasons why people prefer to enter intimate situations in an intoxicated state. By disinhibiting on a psychological and physical level, people try to establish a different connection to themselves. These substances can make feelings, emotions and sensations more intense and different. As many remedies increase blood circulation, for example, body temperature and sensitivity change. In the case of mind-altering substances, visual changes in perception can occur. The sense of taste or smell may change. Some substances lead to muscle relaxation. This influence can make certain practices easier. However, it also leads to a loss of feeling and control of body parts. It is precisely these circumstances that can trigger paranoia, panic or other negative states.
What do I need to pay attention for?
Intox play takes place on a narrow, uncontrollable border where a fall in the wrong direction can happen faster than you would like. In addition, possession of drugs is illegal.
Should you nevertheless decide to have this experience, please remember to clarify safewords, limits and boundaries in detail before the session and, above all, to set up safety measures against physical and mental breakdowns.
A certain amount of experience with the chosen substance, independent of BDSM, should at least be available. As with all extreme forms of play, medical safety measures should be prepared and a cell phone should be ready for an emergency call. All preparations for extensive aftercare should be made. Consumers know about countermeasures. Depending on the drug, water, food, rest or a walk in the fresh air can help to alleviate the effects.
Is intox play BDSM?
If intox play were to be categorized as BDSM, it could be found under other categories such as:
CNC, i.e. Consensual Non Consent, due to the loss of the ability to consent
Tunnel play, as the process cannot be stopped any time
Edge play, due to the pronounced danger to which one exposes oneself with ingestion
A very specific fetish for chemsex, drunk play and intox play, with its own followers and cultures
All of these practices have one thing in common: an unconditional surrender of control. Intox play brings with it an uncontrollable and numbing factor. As a submissive person, the allure of being so physically and psychologically uninhibited can be tantalizing. Putting yourself in a state where you give power to the dominant person without the certain possibility of an exit can be desirable. Getting intoxicated as a dominant person can be disinhibiting for the submissive person. This is a way for people with a preference for overpowering and energetic play to increase the intensity. At the same time, it can also lead to unconsciously overstepping boundaries.
And this is precisely the crux of the matter: the non-negotiable prerequisite for BDSM activities is voluntary and conscious consent. However, since drugs distort the ability to perceive and assess on many levels, no consent can be given under their influence. Even if the consent discussion takes place before the session, the case of unconscious consent occurs if, for example, a session is not broken off because limits or intensities are not perceived. Whether a boundary is crossed consciously or unconsciously by the person carrying out the session is irrelevant.
Therefore: No, intox play cannot be counted as BDSM. No consensual ability, no BDSM.
