Drinking While Gaming? Warning -- mature content (I hope)

[Aluvial]

I was curious to know how many games involve alcohol and how much is drunk?

Futhermore, what about other substances and gaming. As a rule, I don't allow drugs in my home because of my children, but I also stand for a "don't care what you do in the privacy of your home" policy, so long as it does not harm others. Basically, I believe that you can harm yourself if you damn well please.

Back to the to first quesiton, as a DM I drink anywhere from 3 to 6 beers in a four hour gaming period. Now with three I'm fine, but at 6 I get a little loose, and sometimes the game can get off track.

I have 8 players, 7 of which who drink, 6 of which drink during the game, 3 of whom drink 4 to 8 beers in that same 4 hours. As players, I've never had any problem with them, but one of my group went home after a couple (3) and got a DUI. Now he's on driving restriction, and has to leave my game a half hour early until he get's court out of the way.

I suppose since I'm setting the example as the DM, I feel partially responsible, but again, I didn't shove the beers his way, nor ever persuade him to have one. I left those peer-preasure days behind me when I was stupid and in school.

Furthermore, I play in a second game and drink at least 6 beers during that four hour gaming time. I think it helps me get into character...

Now I really don't want this to turn into a discussion about my drinking particulars, I am comfortable with my socialization, especially when gaming. My question is, how regular is drinking and drugs (what kind) with the average gamer out there?

Think I'll make it a poll... edit: or not...

Aluvial

 

[francisca]

no drugs or alchohol during either game I participate in.

 

[Khayman]

Both of my regular gaming groups (D&D and Deadlands) usually have beer at the table. Deadlands usually has whisky, but that's fer medicinal purposes.

We try to take things easy. There have been instances of over-indulgence but they seem to be collective affairs (I vaguely recall six accountants loudly roleplaying jolly pirates). I've never run a game while under the influence. If all you're doing is rolling dice, alcohol isn't really a factor until one forgets how to count. Roleplaying and tactical decision-making tend to be impaired about as quickly as driving.

I would rather see alcohol at the table in moderation, and it has been used effectively in certain scenarios. For example, I occasionally cook a themed meal for my gaming buddies, serving ouzo with a Greek feast in my historic game, or a particularly noxious Rumanian red wine when we were playing in Karameikos. A friend of mine cracked open some home-made mead after our Planescape group escaped from the Abyss.

Everything in moderation... sometimes including moderation.

 

[Morrus]

Man, this is a sore point for me!

I'm of the opinion that a beer or two is nice during the game. Getting drunk (or otherwise inebriated) absolutely, completely, ruins the game. There's a time and a place for getting drunk, and when someone's put in a lot of work to make your evening fun, that is neither the time nor the place. It's disrespectful to those who are there to game.

I guess the "everything in moderation" maxim is, as Khayman says, appropriate. Sure, have a beer or two (I'll probably have a couple myself), but don't be getting drunk - it ruins the game for everyone else.

 

[WayneLigon]

We don't allow drinking, save for the one guy whose house it is and thus doesn't have to drive; if he's had a particularly bad day at work, he may drink one or two beers. If someone were to bring actual drugs to a game I was in, I'd leave. If I was running, they'd leave. Whether or not I'd call the cops on them would depend on the person and what they brought in.

Aluvial, I'm Not A Lawyer but I'd suggest you consult one - now - on the drinking laws for your state. I'm pretty sure at least a few places will say that if you witness someone consume alcohol at your residense and then drive (Um, what were they thinking, anyway? Your gaming buddies need to work out a designated driver for that sort of thing) you might be in for a share of liability when they eventually kill themselves or someone else. Note the lack of an 'if' there.

 

[jgbrowning]

I'm of the opinion that a beer or two is nice during the game. Getting drunk (or otherwise inebriated) absolutely, completely, ruins the game. There's a time and a place for getting drunk, and when someone's put in a lot of work to make your evening fun, that is neither the time nor the place. It's disrespectful to those who are there to game.

Me as well. I put a lot of effort into GMing.

joe b.

 

[Mystery Man]

Any more than 2 and I start to nod off. That's bad if you're the DM.

 

[Morrus]

Part of the problem is that such people often can't see the effect they're having on the game. Then they wonder why they're not particularly enjoying it!

 

[The Spectrum Rider]

I used to have a player who showed up thoroughly stoned most nights. I was very naive back then, and someone had to point it out to me years later. I just thought he was in character!



The Spectrum Rider

 

[Snapdragyn]

Your gaming buddies need to work out a designated driver for that sort of thing) you might be in for a share of liability when they eventually kill themselves or someone else. Note the lack of an 'if' there.

Second that concern (& the concern applies whether legal liability applies in your state or not).

I turned down an invitation to one group when the introductory email mentioned drinking (eh, not my think but no big) & "smoking (& I don't mean tobacco)". Blegh, so I'm just supposed to sit there picking up second-hand high? Kk nothx la~