For one clever entrepreneur named Mark Phillips, a victory was won. This week, Phillips was given the go-ahead to sell his powdered alcohol, Palcohol. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau approved the sale of four Palcohol flavors: rum, vodka, cosmopolitan, and a margarita.
Three Ways that Powdered Alcohol Might Affect Alcoholism
Up until now, alcohol was considered to be a liquid and could only be sold in liquid form. Palcohol is a powder; when mixed with liquid, it creates an alcoholic drink. One packet is equal to one shot of liquor. The powder can be mixed with water or any other liquid. The idea of a new way to consume alcohol has caused a boatload of controversy. Palcohol has already been banned in eight states, and at least five more states are actively working towards banning the product. It seems that distilling alcohol is more acceptable than dehydrating and reconstituting. The end product is still alcohol. Objections to Palcohol focus mostly on concerns about the potential for abuse. Some agree that it should be banned because they see no point in the product. Why risk misuse? According to his website, Phillips came up with the idea because he likes to be able to enjoy an adult beverage after hiking without the burden of carrying a heavy bottle of liquid. Does this sound strange to anyone else? I hike in the desert. I am smart enough to know that you do not rehydrate after a hike by drinking alcohol. Alcohol dehydratesand could cause serious harm. Also, where does he find the liquid at the end of the hike? Does he hope to find a natural spring or does someone deliver bottled water to him? But … Palcohol is not only for sportsmen; the website gives another suggestion: “Travel Applications: Similarly, adult travelers journeying to destinations far from home could conveniently and lawfully carry their favorite cocktail in powder format. Moderate quantities of flavored Palcohol products carried in resealable pouches are a fraction of the weight and bulk associated with traditional liquor packaging.” Could this new powdered alcohol have a negative effect on the problem of alcoholism in our country? Three ways this new form of consuming alcohol could be worse than the old way:
- The powdered is concentrated. If mixed with liquid alcohol, the proof is increased without adding much volume. Alcohol poisoning can result.
- Sprinkled on food. One way this product will be abused. Getting drunk on pancakes or cereal could replace day drinking.
- The new packaging will no doubt be attractive to teens, as it is easier to conceal and transport than bottles or cans of booze. Underage drinking may be getting a little help.
Palcohol is scheduled to be on the shelves by the end of summer. For now, we can only speculate about this new product. Alcohol in any form has the potential to harm. Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the U.S. Offering new ways to use or abuse alcohol will not help in solving the problem of alcoholism in our country.
Ashwood Recovery is here to help you and your loved ones overcome addiction and other disordered behaviors. Our counseling programs have already helped many of our clients get their lives back. Call us now to start your journey to recovery today. Don’t let addiction and other dangerous behaviors go untreated, and cause extreme emotional, mental and physical hurt and harm to yourself and those around you.
Contact Ashwood Recovery at (208) 906-0782 or www.ashwoodrecovery.com