Russia's Drinking Problem (2003)

Summary by Krater

This 2003 report from ABC Australia investigates the crisis of alcoholism in post-Soviet Russia, examining how aggressive beer and alcohol marketing, low prices, and the lack of social support fuel high mortality rates and widespread addiction among young people and adults.

From the video

Answers: How does alcoholism affect Russian society and youth?

• alcoholism in Russia
• beer marketing in Russia
• moonshine production
• Russian life expectancy
• rehabilitation for alcoholics

What it concludes

• Alcoholism is the main reason Russian men's life expectancy has dropped to 58 years.
• State-sponsored beer marketing and aggressive advertising have made beer the choice of the new generation.
• Vodka and big bottles of Coca Cola or Pepsi cost roughly the same price in Russia.
• Mikhail Gorbachev's 1980s attempt to curb alcohol consumption earned him national enmity and ultimately failed.
• Millions of Russians have no refuge from alcoholism except for a few churches and rehab centers.