Earlier this year, powdered alcohol (or “Palcohol”) made its way into the scene. This new product brings alcohol to the forefront in a different form. Rather than liquid in a bottle as many are used to, it comes as a very fine powder in a four-by-six-inch packet. Each packet contains the equivalent of one shot of alcohol, and it is available in four flavors: rum, cosmopolitan, vodka, and Powderita (like a margarita). All consumers have to do it stir it into six ounces of water and they have an alcoholic beverage ready to drink.

But ever since its approval by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, it has been stirring up trouble. There are those who are in support of this new trend, and those that worry about its safety. It is not yet available on the shelves and many states are trying to keep it that way. According to a recent article, in 2015 “89 bills on powdered alcohol were introduced in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. By August, NCSL says that 25 states have banned powdered alcohol.” Those states where it is banned include:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Kansas
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington State

One-year moratoriums are in place in Maryland and Minnesota while existing statutes have been revised to include powdered alcohol in Colorado, Delaware, Michigan, and New Mexico.

Why Are So Many People Opposed?

Some of the same features that make Palcohol appealing to certain groups are what others oppose. The idea is that, in a powdered form, alcohol is more easily transported. For those who are hiking, camping, fishing, or doing other activities, they can simply throw a packet in their bag with a bottle of water and be ready to go. It is less weighty and takes up less space than a bottle of alcohol. They don’t have to worry about a glass bottle breaking either. Just like traditional alcohol, only those ages 21 or older would be able to purchase it.

However, the ease with which Palcohol is transported and consumed also raises many red flags for people. Some of their concerns include:

• Minors: It could become easier for minors to get their hands on and hide packets of alcohol as opposed to bottles. They are less conspicuous. Also, it could be mistaken by younger children for packets of juice powder such as Kool-Aid. The risk of accidental consumption could increase. If ingested as a powder not mixed with water, it becomes a gummy, gel-like substance which would deter children from continuing to eat it, but there would already be some alcohol that would enter their system.
• Snorting: Because it is a powder, some people may try to snort it up their nose. This too could become dangerous. Although it would be unpleasant and unlikely to expose them to any significant amount of alcohol, it is still unsafe.
• Venues: Another concern is that powdered alcohol would make it easier to bring alcohol into places where it is currently prohibited. This could disrupt the environment of places that are presumably alcohol-free and increase risk of disruptive behavior. People can mix a drink once they get there and all they need is some water.
• Spiking of Food or Beverages: Palcohol is a fine powder, so theoretically it could be sprinkled on someone’s food or mixed into their drink without their knowledge. Those who refrain from drinking may accidentally consume alcohol without realizing it. It could increase risk of unsafe behavior and decision making as well.
• Underage Drinking: Many parents worry that it could increase the risk of underage drinking. Teenagers could find this new fad enticing and it may be easier to slip alcohol into a party without adults noticing.

These are just some of the reasons why many are opposed to the sale of powdered alcohol. States have been pushing back and many continue to do so in order to try to keep residents safer. Powdered alcohol is just one more area of concern when it comes to underage drinking and alcoholism for people of all ages.

Recognizing the Risks

Drinking in any amount has its share of risks to people’s health and wellbeing. Alcohol is hard on the body and alters the brain’s ability to process information. It is important that adults talk to children about the dangers of underage drinking and take steps to ensure that their own drinking does not get out of control. If a substance use disorder does evolve, treatment at a San Diego drug and alcohol rehab center can help them begin the path to recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use, contact luxury rehab center Chapters Capistrano at 949-276-2886 to get started on a customized treatment plan.