'Vaportini' is stirring up concerns for doctors

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WTHI) - You may not have heard of the Vaportini but it's trying to make its mark as a revolutionary new way to consume alcohol.

According to its website, the Vaportini heats alcohol, releasing a vapor. When the vapor is inhaled the alcohol bypasses the digestive system, going straight into the bloodstream.

Dr. Chris Mansfield from IU Health Arnett Hospital said when alcohol goes straight into your blood the effects are immediate.

"When you actually ingest it orally, about 85 percent of it is absorbed through the veins into the liver," Mansfield said about drinking alcohol. "When you're actually inhaling it, 100 percent of it goes right into the blood stream, so obviously you get a much faster intoxication."

Mansfield said while it may seem appealing to users because they can consume alcohol without all the carbs and calories, there haven't been any human studies on vaporized alcohol. However, one study may be shocking, Mansfield said a rat study showed inhaling vaporized alcohol can lead to higher rates of alcohol addiction.
    
"I would advise against it medically and personally just because of the risk of not knowing really what you're getting into and the risk of quick addictions to alcohol," Mansfield said.

Currently the Vaportini can be purchased only online and the website suggests consuming only 1 ounce of alcohol with the device.