A solution including an associative polymer, a cyclodextrin polymer, and a solvent is provided. The associative polymer is a powder in the absence of the solvent. Additionally, a method of making down an associative polymer powder to form a solution is provided. The method includes blending a mixture of the powder, a cyclodextrin polymer, and a solvent to yield the solution, wherein the powder includes particles having been dry-cut to a median particle size of from about 200 microns to about 10,000 microns. Additionally, a powder product is provided. The powder product includes from about 80 wt. % to about 99.9 wt. % associative polymer; and from about 0.1 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of a cyclodextrin polymer.