Journal international sur la santé mentale d'urgence et la résilience humaine

Abstrait

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in Russia

Sergei V. Jargin

The alcohol misuse in Russia is well known; but there is a tendency to exaggerate it, which is evident for inside observers. The exaggeration tends to veil shortcomings of the health care, with responsibility for the low life expectancy especially among men (Zatonski & Bhala, 2012) shifted onto the patients, that is, selfinflicted diseases caused by excessive alcohol consumption. During the anti-alcohol campaign (1985-88), a widespread consumption of non-beverage alcohol was observed: perfumery and technical fluids such as window-cleaner. Considering the large scale of the window cleaner sales in some areas e.g. in Siberia, it was knowingly tolerated by the authorities.