diff --git a/src/pray.c b/src/pray.c
index c4ae1b7b5..60d9f6e20 100644
--- a/src/pray.c
+++ b/src/pray.c
@@ -1810,6 +1810,9 @@ dosacrifice(void)
     if (!on_altar() || u.uswallow) {
         You("are not standing on an altar.");
         return ECMD_OK;
+    } else if (Confusion || Stunned || Hallucination) {
+        You("are too impaired to perform the rite.");
+        return ECMD_OK;
     }
     highaltar = (levl[u.ux][u.uy].altarmask & AM_SANCTUM);