Dry alcohol, also known as powdered alcohol, is a legal battle in the United States, after many years of legislation in the government over the product being on the market. The product, commonly known as Palcohol, in appearance is similar to powdered milk; once users add water, it turns into an alcoholic beverage.
The overall complications of this product continue to be unknown. The bigger problem continues to be other forms of freeze-dried alcohol, such as benzodiazepines. Let’s explore more about what they are and the impacts they have on the body.
Understanding Benzodiazepines
Another form of freeze-dried alcohol, are Benzodiazepines, or benzo for short. Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs common in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. These medications produce activity in GABA receptors, which may have long-term effects on the body.
Generally, the longer a user takes the drug, the higher the risk of developing physical dependence. The medication’s long-term effects are very similar to alcohol. Additionally, Benzos are the medication of choice to help mitigate alcohol withdrawal effects. As a result, benzodiazepines are sometimes known as alcohol in pill form or “freeze-dried” alcohol.
However, by November 2015, most states had introduced legislation and laws to regulate or ban powdered alcohol. Twenty-seven have banned powdered alcohol, two more have placed temporary 1-year bans on the product, and three have included powdered alcohol under their statutory definitions of alcohol, meaning that existing alcohol regulations cover it.
Long-term Consequences of Freeze-Dried Alcohol
Powdered alcohol would generally share the health risks that are associated with traditional liquid alcohol consumption. However, there may be some differences in its effects related to differences in consumption potency and potentially novel delivery methods.
Excessive consumption of alcohol can result in acute overdose, intoxication-related accidental injury, compromised judgment, and longer-term negative health consequences, including liver disease, cancer, and physiologic dependence.
Some benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan), are fast-acting and can produce physical dependence in as little as a month. Generally, these medications have a long-term prescription length, despite the evidence of their long-term effectiveness after six months.
Regular use of these drugs can worsen symptoms after the body has developed a tolerance. Some signs and symptoms of physical dependence include: feeling unable to function without the medication, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop use, and withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug.
Additionally, many addicts report using benzos to enhance their drugs of choice, such as the effects of alcohol or opiates. This mix can be deadly, as mixing depressants can have substantial effects on the central nervous system.
Get Addiction Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, don’t hesitate to contact our addiction treatment center today. Depending on the severity of the addiction and each case, individuals might start their recovery at an inpatient program or an intensive outpatient program to get started. These types of addiction programs incorporate individualized therapy sessions, as well as group therapy, to help them find the right path toward recovery.
Countless treatment options can help them conquer their addiction and manage any withdrawal symptoms. Remember, quitting potent addictive substances like alcohol alone can be life-threatening. It’s essential to have the support and supervision of drug addiction specialists by your side.
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we believe in offering customized drug addiction treatment plans. We look at each program on a case-by-case basis to cater to whatever your needs are to get better and walk towards recovery. From detoxification programs to group meetings and more, everyone in our team is committed to helping you win the battle of addiction.
