In the News: Powdered Alcohol?

(This content is being used for illustrative purposes only; any person depicted in the content is a model)

alcohol, as you don’t know it

By Cheryl Steinberg

If you’re like me (someone with an addict-mind), hearing about the latest development of powdered alcohol had me thinking, “Is this like smoking alcohol, just another quicker way to get drunk than the traditional method of drinking it?”

I know for a fact that there are others like me out there because, upon visiting the Palcohol home page, I found this among their FAQs:

“Can I snort it? We have seen comments about goofballs wanting to snort it. Don’t do it! It is not a responsible or smart way to use the product. To take precautions against this action, we’ve added volume to the powder so it would take more than a half of a cup of powder to get the equivalent of one drink up your nose. You would feel a lot of pain for very little gain. Just use it the right way.”

The website explains the product and how to use it.

“To turn Palcohol into your favorite adult beverage, you just add the powdered alcohol (which comes in a package sort of like a sugar packet) to five ounces of water.”

There are already six varieties: rum, vodka, cosmopolitan, mojito, margarita, and lemon drop. As well as four cocktail versions available: Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Powderita (like a Margarita), and Lemon Drop.

The idea of powdered alcohol came from the brain of Mark Phillips – described on the site as “an active guy” who’s into “hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, etc.”

Apparently, Phillips wanted to be able to relax with a “refreshing adult beverage” after one of these athletic and strenuous activities but found that lugging around heavy bottles of alcohol such as wine, beer or spirits was inconvenient; he only wanted to carry water. Thus, the idea of powdered alcohol was born.

Powdered Alcohol: Benefits?

The Palcohol website states that people “are excited because Palcohol could be discretely brought in to places where liquor is not available or exorbitantly priced, such as sporting events, concerts, movie theaters, airplanes, cruise ships, and the like.”

Yet, at the bottom of the page it says: “And lastly, we want to emphasize again, when Palcohol is available, to use it responsibly and legally.”

It also describes its product as “A great convenience for the person on the go. One package weighs about an ounce and is small enough to fit into any pocket.” And adds that Palcohol isn’t “just for the sportsperson[;] Palcohol can be transported in your luggage without the fear of bottles breaking.”

Palcohol’s motto refers to its convenience, saying “Take your Pal wherever you go!”

Powdered Alcohol: FDA Approval and Availability

The site also states, “We are excited by the approval of our powdered alcohol product, Palcohol. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) actually approved it some time ago.”

That isn’t completely correct. The TTB has approved Palcohol’s label, not the product, itself. According to a representative for the federal bureau, the approval was made in error. It is believed that Phillips will likely re-evaluate the situation and try for approval on his labels again. The Palcohol website says that they are hoping to make their product available by fall.

Update:

On Wednesday, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau spokesman Tom Hogue told The Associated Press that the issues regarding approval from the federal bureau have been resolved and that four varieties of Palcohol have been approved. Hogue added that states can also regulate alcohol sales in their borders.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-951-6135.