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.