I know guys who need a shot or two to get "loose" or relaxed, in order to bowl well. Does alcohol really help, or it's a placebo thing.

When I drink I can do things better than when I don't drink. My subconscious kicks in I guess and I can speak the two different languages I grew up with. My parents language and the language of my Sensei and old employer.

I see guys struggle, then after a drink or two, they go shoot high games. Well the guys i bowl with...

Other sports involve direct competition and quickness of reaction is crucially important.  I can't imagine drinking while trying to play baseball or basketball.  Mental sports however?  A small amount can slow an overactive brain back down to normal.  A brain at 125% can be just as bad as a brain at 75%.  In most other sports you don't have time to think everything through, you have to be sharp.  In sports like golf and bowling, all the thinking is done ahead of time, the last thing you need to be doing during your swing or approach is thinking. 

We got smoked last Friday by Team Crown. All three drank posting high scores after we took the first game. They were on a roll the last two games and didn't hold back. xxxxx everywhere...hahaha

Alcohol, by definition, is a depressant.  It slows down the functions of the organs and central nervous system (brain & spinal cord).  Initially many people sense a "pick me up" as they become less reserved socially (ten foot tall and bullet proof), but that ends with more alcohol consumption, and reality is that the negative effects of alcohol eventually start.

Scientifically speaking only, how can something that impairs the central nervous system be a benefit?  Can you think of another sport where the "athletes" claim better performance based on blood alcohol levels?  Sounds irrational to me, and could possibly be another one of the 100 reasons why league bowling continues on the decline.  People (as a whole) are becoming more health conscious.  Bowling can be challenging enough without altering ones brain "efficiency". 

I'm certainly not against anyone enjoying their alcohol responsibly, but call it like it is.  And some people are just dependent on it, which is kinda sad in a way. 

Why my post?  My father was an alcoholic, and eventually died from it's wear and tear on his body.  I'm not searching for any sympathy, just don't buy it when someone's "peeing on my leg and telling me it's raining", so to speak.  Now, do as you like, and by all means keep throwing strikes!  Happy New Year to all!

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ You could get a better calming and relaxing effect by learing how to breathe properly when performing a physical activity.