The current anti-alcohol policy in Russia shows stronger results than the Soviet-era campaign of the mid-1980s, according to a respected psychiatrist-narcologist and professor at the Russian University of People’s Friendship’s Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Pathology. The expert notes the present approach is more effective and better aligned with modern public health practices across the country.
In contrast to the blunt measures taken during the Gorbachev era, which included sweeping actions like closing elite vineyards and imposing rigid limitations, the contemporary strategy emphasizes reducing accessibility to alcohol and shaping social norms around drinking. When alcohol becomes harder to obtain at night, or until a certain age, and when fewer venues sell it, consumption tends to decline. This reflects a broader policy logic: tighter control over where and when alcohol can be purchased tends to suppress overall intake, especially among younger populations and occasional drinkers.
The medical expert highlights Finland as a notable example where high prices for strong beverages and strict sales restrictions substantially reduced severe alcohol-related health issues such as delirium tremens. He points out that as the world experiences a general trend of lower alcohol consumption, Russia appears to be moving in the same direction, reinforcing a global public health pattern rather than isolated national experimentation.
From a clinical vantage point, the physician observes observable shifts in drinking behavior among Russians. Negotiating rooms and business negotiations show lower willingness to drink heavily, driven by the understanding that intoxication does not foster clear decision making. In law enforcement and everyday life, a similar reduction in heavy drinking has been noted. The pandemic, of course, disrupted patterns by elevating stress and social disruption, contributing to a temporary rise in consumption globally. Nevertheless, the overall trajectory remains downward, with the trend continuing to outpace prior decades.
The piece also addresses a broader question: can alcoholism be addressed without medical supervision, and what treatment strategies prove most effective? While this discussion appears in media commentary, the emphasis remains on evidence-based approaches, tailored interventions, and sustained public health efforts. The overall message is that reducing access to alcohol, coupled with ongoing education and support systems, can yield meaningful improvements in health outcomes for communities across the country.