What Is Powdered Alcohol And How Is It Abused?

 

For the first time in United States' history, powdered alcohol has gotten an authorization for sale. However, there is deep concern that various forms of alcohol abuse, especially among the youth may result, and that alcohol may even be snorted. Consequently, many States have called for a ban on the manufacturing, sale, or importation of powdered alcohol.

What Is Powdered Alcohol?

Powdered alcohol refers to alcohol absorbed by sugar derivatives, dextrin, and later put through encapsulation process. Sugar derivatives can be used to trap ethanol and create powder, which can be stored in containers until it's mixed with water or other liquids.

How It Can Be Abused

Powdered alcohol holds myriad potential of being used in risky manners, which may result into dangerous alcohol effects:

• Encapsulation process cannot prevent users from interfering with the capsule and using the powder in ways that it was not intended for.

• Powdered alcohol   can also be snorted, mixed with other products containing alcohol, or given to people who are not aware of the products they are ingesting.


• It can also be easier for the younger generations to access powdered alcohol compared to other alcohol beverages. The risks are even bigger given that the potential of powdered alcohol   have not been fully explored.

Powdered alcohol Abuse Concerns

Powdered alcohol made news when manufacturers began to produce and sell it in Europe. It was generally marketed and intended for teenagers. Now that it's approved in Unites States, many stakeholders are worried that its abuse may be rampant among teens. Its package is easily concealable and it comes in various flavors that may appeal to the younger generation---all these factors don't make this concern indefensible. Even worse is the fact that powdered alcohol can be snorted. While manufactures claim that it's impractical and even painful to snort, the risk of abuse by curious users is considerably high.

It appears that powdered alcohol products may soon be joining alcoholic water, whipped cream or jello-shots packages in our local food stores.

Accordingly, to stay informed on the latest news on powdered alcohol and more resources on drug abuse and treatment, feel free to follow us.

What Is Powdered Alcohol And How Is It Abused?

Over the years, there have been many efforts to combat drugs and substance abuse around the world. While most of these efforts have been largely successful, the recent approval of powdered alcohol products for sale in the country is expected to make things more challenging for government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and charities fighting the scourge of alcohol abuse in society.

Powdered Alcohol Explained

If you are like most people, you're probably hearing about powered alcohol for the first time today. Powdered alcohol is made by mixing dextrin, a sugar derivative, with alcohol. Dextrin absorbs alcohol up to 60% of its own weight, which means a kilogram of dextrin can absorb up to 600 grams of alcohol. This is followed by encapsulation. To make an alcoholic beverage, the powder is first mixed with water or any other liquid. If consumed in moderation, alcohol from alcoholic powder does not have any adverse effects. However, improper use or abuse can have serious adverse health effects.

Why Sale of Powdered Alcohol is Raising Concern

Some states have moved quickly to propose and pass legislation to prohibit the manufacture, distribution or importation of powdered alcohol. This is in response to what happened in Europe a few years ago. When powered alcohol was first introduced in Europe, the packaging and flavors were meant to attract underage users. Local authorities and other concerned parties fear that powdered alcohol will have the same effect in the country. Law enforcement officers are also concerned with the ease with which powdered alcohol can be concealed.

How Powdered Alcohol Can be Abused

Powdered alcohol can be abused in a number of ways. Since the product comes in powder form, snorting is a real risk. The health effects associated with powdered alcohol abuse through snorting are not clearly known, but they exist.
To use powdered alcohol, the powder must be mixed with water or any other non-alcoholic drink, but some misinformed users can mix the powder with beer, spirits, energy drinks or wines among other types of alcoholic beverages. The effects of doing this are not yet known.
Compared to liqueur, it is much easier for teenagers to obtain and abuse powdered alcohol.

Until research is done on the side effects of using powdered alcohol and laws passed to regulate its manufacture, distribution, importation and sale, consumers should avoid powdered alcohol. Follow us for more information and resources on drug abuse and treatment.