Forced intox: Why this limit should never be crossed

"Forced intox: Why this limit should never be crossed" was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

Definition of forced intox:
Forced intox is a BDSM fantasy in which the sub is forced (fictionally or in reality) against their will to take something in, such as drink, drugs or bodily fluids. It is about power, control and surrender, but it demands the utmost care, safety and clear limits.

A few years ago, a sub approached me asking whether I was open to forced intox. I knew the term (fortunately), although I had never had anything to do with it myself. But I didn't need a second to think about my answer: "no". Not now. Never. Because as far as I'm concerned, there is one rule that is not up for discussion: for me, BDSM does not go together with drugs. Quite simply because in such a situation I can never guarantee safety.

Even though BDSM involves all kinds of risks, I think it is important to safeguard safety as much as possible. A situation in which the sub can no longer realistically judge their limits, because they are intoxicated, does not sound very safe to me.

Not wrong, but not safe either

And that means that certain fantasies will not be carried out by me. Not because they are necessarily 'wrong', but because they cannot be safe. Because they are based on losing the most essential thing we have: consciousness. And that makes forced intox off the table for me.

But that doesn't mean I don't want to talk about it. Because precisely by making it open to discussion, we can better place misunderstandings, romanticisations and online fantasies that spill over into reality. After all, what actually is forced intox? And where does the desire come from?

What is meant by forced intox?

Forced intox - a contraction of "forced intoxication" - refers to getting a sub under the influence (whether or not in a role play). This can involve alcohol, drugs or other substances that alter consciousness. In some fantasies it is voluntary. The sub agrees to the idea of experiencing BDSM under the influence. In other cases it is precisely about the sneaky element: the sub doesn't know what is happening or is forced to take something. Supposedly as part of the surrender process.

And that is exactly where it chafes. Because what if someone who is under the influence agrees to something they would never want when sober? What if, as a Dominant, you are at that moment no longer a partner in play, but someone who knowingly steps over limits? In practice, forced intox means that the element of agreement becomes murky. Even if someone says beforehand “I want this”, during the act there is still an altered state of consciousness in which clear consent is impossible.

What makes this fantasy appealing?

Still, it is not strange that some subs feel drawn to this idea. The fantasy of being completely 'switched off', of surrendering fully and no longer having any control, is the ultimate form of submission. Some people look in BDSM for exactly that feeling: being allowed to disappear for a while, not having to do anything for a moment. Being under the influence, or being forced to be, then seems like a shortcut to that desire.

And to be fair: in the sub's mind this is often less about drugs than about detachment, freedom or escaping from thinking. But there is another motive hidden in it too: responsibility. By being under the influence, you no longer have to account for yourself. Then you can say: “I don't remember exactly.” Or: “I wasn't myself.” You experience the pleasures - the high, the intensity, the physical sensation - but not the burdens, the shame or the sober realisation.

In that sense, forced intox is a dangerous way to play with limits. Not only for the body, but also for the mind. Because where does surrender end and where does abuse begin? That is a question you can only answer sober.

Why this is an absolute no-go for every responsible Dominant

As a Dominant you carry not only the lead, but also the burden of that lead. You determine the pace, the play, the dynamic, but also the safety. And safety is not only about the right hooks, ropes or safe words. It is about emotional, psychological and physical integrity. By getting a sub under the influence, you undermine that foundation. You are then working with someone who cannot think clearly at that moment, cannot respond adequately and no longer makes conscious choices.

What you are left with is no longer play. It is manipulation. And for every Dominant with a conscience, that should be unthinkable. The idea that you can force someone to do things while under the influence, or that this would be exciting, says more about your desire for power than about your BDSM skills. Because power without responsibility is empty. Unsafe and dangerous. A true Pro Domme does not feel stronger when the other is weakened, but precisely when the other chooses to surrender from a place of strength.

The real risks: body and mind in danger

The idea of letting someone experience something under the influence 'for the kick' is not only morally problematic, it is also medically irresponsible. Substances such as alcohol, GHB, nitrous oxide, ketamine, XTC or other drugs all affect coordination, reaction time and consciousness. Someone feels less pain, reacts more slowly, or loses the ability to say 'no' altogether. And that means you can quickly go too far - even without noticing it.

In addition, substances can cause breathing problems, heart rhythm disturbances or an acute overdose. Especially in a context where there is already bondage, restriction or intense physical stimulation, that is life-threatening. Not figuratively. Literally.

And then you haven't even discussed the aftermath yet. Someone who experiences a BDSM moment under the influence may afterwards feel guilty, be confused or be unable to place reality properly. That can be traumatic. Not only for the sub, but also for you as a Dominant.

In short: better not to do it.

There is a good and safe alternative

For those who still want to do something with the theme of ‘being under the influence’, without actually putting body or consciousness in danger, there is fortunately also the power of suggestion. And don't underestimate it. Because the brain is remarkably gullible when it comes to sensory experience, especially in a context of surrender.

Imagine: you tell your sub that you are going to give him a capsule with a powerful substance in it. You name it, describe what it will do to him: tingling, relaxed muscles, slowed thoughts. Meanwhile you give him a capsule you filled yourself, filled with icing sugar or vitamin C. Nothing dangerous. But your conviction, your voice, your timing… that is what steers the experience.

And if you build on that further in the session, for example by making him notice that his breathing is slowing, his body feels heavier, then there is a good chance he will actually feel it too. Not because the capsule works, but because you are doing it. That is the power of mental dominance. And perhaps the purest form of control: when the body needs nothing, but the mind believes everything.

FAQ

Mistress Moriah

Source

Text: Mrs Moriah
Image: 123rf.com