What Is Powdered Alcohol?

Powdered alcohol is alcohol mixed with a form of sugar, broken down into a powdered form. This form of alcohol is commonly referred to as “palcohol,” and it has a complicated legal history. Currently, powdered alcohol is illegal in the majority of U.S. states.

Powdered alcohol is associated with many risks, including the same risks linked to all alcoholic products, along with additional risks like snorting it, unintentionally overconsuming it, and marketing it to underage drinkers.

Is Powdered Alcohol Just Alcohol?

Powdered alcohol, commonly called “palcohol,” is a powdered substance that contains both alcohol and dextrose, or sugar. It’s not pure alcohol, but there are concerns that it could be just as dangerous, or more so.

Powdered alcohol is manufactured by a process referred to as microencapsulation. This allows the substance to be rehydrated using water or another liquid, transforming it into an alcoholic beverage. Powdered alcohol may go by other names, including: [1]

• Palcohol
• Concentrated alcohol
• Granulated alcohol
• Crystalline alcohol

Potential Risks of Powdered Alcohol

Alcohol powder is associated with several inherent risks.

Snorting Powdered Alcohol

The company Lipsmark, which created Palcohol, briefly posted an FAQ suggesting the powder could theoretically be snorted, but later removed it, stating that the product was not intended for that use and doing so would be unsafe and inefficient. It also included instructions for adding powdered alcohol to food. Consuming alcohol via these methods could pose additional risks, including accidentally consuming more alcohol than intended.

Appeal to Minors

Public health officials have also raised concerns that powdered alcohol products could be marketed to children and underage drinkers who might find it convenient and easier to sneak into school, for instance, than a standard alcoholic drink. Plus, teachers and parents may not be able to identify alcohol in a powdered form so it could slip under the radar. Its sugary, sweet ingredients may be appealing to minors and could easily be mistaken for powdered candy.

Overconsumption

People aren’t used to consuming alcohol in powdered form. This could cause concerns related to dosing, since individuals might not understand precisely how much alcohol by volume they’re consuming in a mixed drink. According to the CDC, moderate drinking for men is two standard alcoholic beverages per day or less. [2] For women, it’s one drink or less. People may find it challenging to translate these guidelines to powdered alcohol.

The overconsumption of alcohol has been associated with numerous health risks, including alcohol poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 178,000 people die from excessive drinking every year in the United States from 2020 to 2021. [3]

Is Powdered Alcohol Legal?

After botching the process the previous year, the United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) approved the sale of powdered alcohol in the United States. Since then, the majority of state legislatures have banned the sale of palcohol, and others have issued regulations regarding its sale. [4] In most states, you will face legal consequences for possessing or selling powdered alcohol. This could include substantial fines or even jail time.

Risks of Alcohol Use

Alcohol, whether in powdered or liquid form, poses significant risks to individuals. Some of the risks of moderate to heavy alcohol use include:

• Physical health concerns
• Mental health concerns
• Risky behavior, such as drinking and driving
• Injuries due to impaired judgment
• Increased risk of violence

Health Concerns Linked to Alcohol Use

The health concerns linked to alcohol use are numerous. Some of the chronic diseases and medical conditions associated with long-term alcohol use include: [5]

• Cancer
• Stroke
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Weakened immune system
• Dementia
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Alcohol use disorder

In addition to these health concerns, people who consume alcohol regularly face possible relationship problems (including intimate partner violence), memory problems, and performance issues at work or school.

Signs of Alcohol Overdose

Another significant risk associated with liquid or powdered alcohol is the risk of overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning. Since alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, it can lead to slowed or stopped breathing. Combining alcohol with other substances, such as opioids, increases the risk of a fatal overdose. Other signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning include: [6]

• Hypothermia (i.e., low body temperature)
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Slow or raspy breathing
• Seizures
• Pale, blue, or gray skin
• Having a hard time staying awake
• Losing consciousness

Any signs of alcohol overdose should be treated as a medical emergency. Call 911 and seek immediate medical assistance.

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder, also known as alcohol addiction, is a serious condition that makes it hard to control drinking habits. Left untreated, it can lead to a wide range of negative consequences that could impact your health, employment, relationships, and more. These are the signs of alcohol use disorder: [7]

• Overwhelming or intense alcohol cravings
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking or limit your drinking
• Failing to meet responsibilities at home or work/school due to alcohol use
• Using alcohol in risky situations (e.g., when driving)
• Giving up activities you enjoy so you can drink instead
• Spending an excessive amount of time obtaining alcohol, drinking alcohol, or recovering from hangovers
• Needing more alcohol over time to achieve the same level of inebriation (i.e., building tolerance)
• Continuing to drink, even though it’s causing problems in your life
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you abstain from alcohol, even for a short period (i.e., developing physical dependence)

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

If you’ve developed a physical dependence on alcohol, withdrawal from alcohol can be uncomfortable and even life-threatening. Some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include: [8]

• Excessive sweating
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Heart palpitations
• Increase in blood pressure
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Rapid heart rate
• Tremor or shakiness
• Seizures
• delirium

Because of the severity of some of these symptoms, especially delirium tremens, which can be fatal, it’s advised to detox in a medically supervised setting.

Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

Various types of alcohol use disorder treatment are available, and what works for one person may not work for another. An alcohol abuse and rehabilitation counselor can evaluate your symptoms and drinking history to develop a personalized treatment plan for your recovery.

Treatment plans for alcohol use disorder often include:

• Medical detoxification services
• Inpatient treatment
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Aftercare services
• Mental health services (e.g., individual therapy, group counseling, family therapy)
• Residential services
• Relapse prevention

Help Is Available

If you or a loved one is demonstrating signs of problem drinking or an alcohol use disorder, it’s essential to reach out for professional support. In many cases, people are unable to stop using alcohol on their own due to the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Understand that this is not a sign of a lack of willpower or weakness. Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition, and the good news is that it’s treatable. Many people have completed alcohol rehabilitation programs and gone on to lead successful, fulfilling lives. Never give up hope.