“... how could he possibly think this was a good idea?”
I guess the old phrase, “liquid courage”, is a good way to explain it. I’d say alcohol is more like “liquid stupidity” or “liquid recklessness” but that’s me.
When I was about 19, I was at a pool party and kids started jumping into the pool from the roof of the house. I thought they were nuts. Then after about nine Budweisers, I’m suddenly on the roof myself, no turning back now.
I closed my eyes and jumped. Friends told me later my head missed the edge of the pool by two inches. I was a damn fool and lucky to be alive today.