Russian alcohol policy in the making

Abstract

The law discussed in this paper presented a window of opportunity to ameliorate the deteriorating health status and reverse the impending mortality crisis. However, a number of barriers presented substantial setbacks toward realization of this legislation.

Estimating the causal effect of alcohol consumption on well-being for a cross-section of 9 former Soviet Union countries

“…The countries concerned vary greatly in the extent to which they have even recognised hazardous drinking as a problem, let alone demonstrate any will to do anything about it. However, the tide may now be turning with evidence that the Russian government is tackling the promotion of alcohol (Ria Novosoti, 2012), following a 2006 law that instituted controls on the sale and distribution of alcohol (Levintova, 2007). Elsewhere, progress has been decidedly limited.…”

Components and possible determinants of decrease in Russian mortality in 2004-2010

“…A large fraction of the reduction in mortality between 2003 and 2010 is also attributable to lower alcohol use, including decreases in mortality from alcohol poisoning and other alcohol-related causes, accidents, violence, cardiovascular deaths, and hemorrhagic stroke at working ages. It is important to note that mortality dropped especially sharply after the introduction of new federal controls on ethanol production and sales in 2006 (Khalturina and Korotaev 2008;Levintova 2007).…”

“…This system allowed for the computerized tracking of ethanol production on the premises where it was actually manufactured. Alongside these measures, industrial ethanol production became subject to excise tax, and a new list of denaturating substances was introduced that made a much larger proportion of non-beverage ethanol unpalatable to drink (Levintova 2007). The introduction of USIS and the excise taxation on all ethanols were particularly important, as they made it much less likely that -hidden‖ ethanol would be diverted into the production of very cheap vodkas and non-beverage alcohols.…”

Russia’s “Pure Spirit”

“…World War II saw vodka used to reward soldiers and became part of their daily rations. In the postwar period, despite the official line that ''vodka [was] a social evil,'' consumption grew significantly, contributing to a host of social ailments from a rise of criminality to fall in productivity (Jargin 2010;Levintova 2007;Pesmen 2000;Pridemore 2002). …”

“…During Russia's tumultuous history, vodka was often the only refuge against natural and political storms; drinking relieved physical toil and provided a realm for socializing outside the official frame and resisting the officialdom (Philips 1997). Vodka is also regarded as a traitorous enemy that historically has been a leading factor in physical, moral, social, and economic afflictions in Russia (Herlihy 2002;Levintova 2007;McKee 1999;Pridemore 2002;Ryan 1995). Thus, vodka is intertwined with Russia's history, economy, and culture.…”