JimS said:Alcohol is a depressant drug. Depressant drugs slow down or sedate brain activity. The brain controls all the bodies functions. If the brain is sedated then the body will not function to it's full potential. DOT standards say that a driver is impared at .04% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) which is about one beer an hour for a 160 lb male.
Smoking cigarettes and drinking caffeine both depress the immune system. Smoking raises the Co2 level in the blood which also affects brain function. Even if you don't smoke but are playing in a very smokey bar you can be affected.
I would say that we all consume substances that alter our performance on a daily basis. Bottom line, if you are a heavy drinker and play sober, you're at a disadvantage because your body requires alcohol to steady nerves. Same problem occurs when playing in a smoke free bar, people go into nicotine withdrawal.
Again, scientific studies aside, people need to do whatever makes them feel 100% comfortable. It may not be the same requirements for you, me or the next guy, but who are we to judge?.