Liquid alcohol is already the most abused substance in the nation, with great human and economic cost. I can’t see how powdered alcohol can do anything but add to the cost of alcohol abuse, hurting both the economy and adding to human suffering.
—-Constance Scharff, Ph.D., Senior Addiction Research Fellow and Director of Addiction Research at Cliffside Malibu Treatment Center.
So, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has approved Palcohol, powdered alcohol that will come in a metallic pouch that resembles a kids’ juice pouch. What could possibly go wrong? Well, Forbes says it sounds like “an accident waiting to happen,” and some states have already banned it and more may be in the process of doing so.
Apparently it was invented by people who wanted to be able to drink while backpacking without having to carry heavy bottles of liquor.
Do you think this is a great invention and that some people are overreacting? Or would you worry about possible abuses?
March 18, 2015
I don’t know about “GREAT” invention, Jean. But it most certainly serves a purpose by allowing the truly dependent (in the medical/physical sense) to go out and about in the safe knowledge that should the craving come over them in the middle of nowhere they’ll be safe (as long as they can find some water to mix up the powder).
Are people ‘overreacting’ as you ask? Yes, that’s what an awful lot of the upright not to say uptight do. Tut, tut. Those who want/need a drink will get it any old how, and those who can go without won’t be lured into drinking by it being available in powder form. Ludicrous suggestion.
And have you noticed: Apparently it’s only available in four flavours at the moment: Vodka(!) – now that should make you think. I believe the second to be whiskey. HA. I imagine powdered whiskey must be an abomination to the likes of, say, Shackman. Sacrilege. The other two if I remember correctly are cocktails. Which made me snort with derision. I do not know of any backpacker, mountaineer or anyone else in unison with nature trying to set up a tent who craves a Marguerita – not even at sunset. Beer maybe. Most certainly. But a Marguerita? I can’t wait what vintners all over the world have to say about powdering their grapes. Makes me laugh as I write.
And what of “message in a bottle”? It’s tragic. There won’t be messages in sachets.
U
Thanks. 🙂
A product the time for which has come. I don’t drink alcoholic beverages but can see a lot of advantages in this for others who imbibe regularly.
It should be an interesting experiment.
LOLOL!!!!
i shouldn’t maybe… but i find this funny.
it’s all part of the jetson world we’re living in. i loved that cartoon series.
i’m waiting to be able to fly around with a backpack motor! elegantly designed of course!
Ursula’s right about serious nature lovers and backpackers… of which my marine is one. now if he could settle in at the close of the day outside his wee tent with a guinness in hand… but otherwise… thank you very much folks… the sunset and the sound of the forest and the pure mountain air will suffice.
I’m not sure I agree with you and Ursula about nature lovers and back packers liking only beer. I know some who are wine drinkers instead, and the fellows who invented palcohol prefer hard liquor, that was their motivation.
Hmm, I haven’t really thought about it because I don’t think it’s a product that the Runner and I will ever use. I don’t drink alcohol and he drinks only beer… The main thing that crossed my mind was whether the kids at our local university will find a way to abuse it badly. They certainly abuse all other forms of alcohol.
Yes, drinking seems to be a favorite pastime for a lot of college kids. It’s a very expensive place to do it! Some people spend most of their lives getting out of debt. It boggles the mind.
Hmmm
I like good vodka.
Somehow I can’t imagine “good” vodka coming from a pouch.
Especially since I like mine chilled.
But I never backpack so I won’t be worrying about it either.
LOL!
But I’m sure kids will like it though, convenient to hide.
I don’t really understand why anyone would bother making it in this form.
Seriously, all the hard drinkers I’ve known in my life weren’t hikers.
Beer seems more suited to such activities.
It will be interesting to see which states allow it, and whether or not it will be bootlegged if they don’t. I’m curious to see what will happen.
I don’t see it as being much more of a problem than alcohol.
Most likely, but never underestimate human creativity. Surprises do happen!
I think about other powders in the food line – instant soup, instant coffee, instant cold drink powder , instant dried milk etc – I suppose it had to happen…
Yes, but it still surprised me. I suppose it might come in handy if you’re storing food and water for an emergency. It would take up a lot less room. Except you would need to store more water, I guess.