Does Powdered Alcohol affect BAC?

There are plenty of things that can affect a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the measure used to define a person’s level of intoxication. Nationally, the legal BAC limit for a drunk driving offense is at .08 percent, a number that can vary depending on your gender, your weight, the time you’ve spent drinking and the number of drinks you’ve had in that time. In calculating your BAC, you rely on a “standard” drink measurement, whether it’s wine, beer or the liquor in a shot or a cocktail to “know your limit,” and call a taxi to take you home at the end of the night. But, with headlines buzzing about powdered alcohol, what does this new product mean for your BAC?

Alcohol is alcohol, it seems, and that stands true for powdered alcohol, as well. The amount of alcohol in a “serving” of powdered alcohol is said to be the same as in a standard drink of liquid alcohol. So, if you drink too much powdered alcohol, you’ll be at risk for drinking and driving and the consequences of that decision.

If that consequence happens to be an ignition interlock device, it should be noted that powdered alcohol will be able to be detected by the device. Alcohol is still alcohol.

Currently, nine states are attempting to block the sale of powdered alcohol, citing risks for underage drinking and other alcohol-related regulations that could be bypassed by the product. The bottom line, however, is that a person’s BAC is affected by any type of alcohol, and that effect can lead to drunk driving and other tragic mistakes. No matter if you prefer your alcohol in a wine glass, a frosty mug or in a tiny packet of powder, remember that alcohol is alcohol, and that too much of a favorite drink can be a fast path to a drunk driving conviction.