Dr. Ruslan Isaev, a practicing psychiatrist, observes that many Russians associate champagne with New Year celebrations in a way that forms a psychological pattern: the drink itself isn’t the source of addiction. This idea often circulates in radio reports from Sputnik.
Champagne carries an aura of status and grandeur. Some people cling to that image, sometimes resisting the thought that the beverage could lead to dependency. Social stereotypes influence how individuals perceive risk here, said Isaev. He noted that the drink’s chemical makeup, specifically the bubbles and fizz, does not by itself trigger addiction.
In Isaev’s view, the real harm from champagne comes from the total amount of ethanol consumed over time. The cumulative exposure to alcohol, rather than the presence of bubbles, shapes how alcohol affects the body across a period.
Earlier, nutritionist Elena Solomatina described absinthe as among the more dangerous spirits due to its high alcohol content. She warned that excessive consumption can stress organs such as the liver and kidneys. She also noted that toxic substances in such beverages can interact with the bloodstream and influence heart and brain function.
A former psychiatrist-narcologist reflected on how internal bans on drinking are formed, stressing that cultural norms and personal beliefs shape how people regulate or resist alcohol use. The discussion underscores that moderation, context, and individual differences all affect how societies understand and manage alcohol consumption.