Russian Alcohol Consumption

In terms of global alcohol consumption, Russia has been consistently considered one of the countries with the highest track record of heavy drinking. 

However, recent figure have found Russian alcohol consumption has decreased by 43% from 2003 to 2016, according to a report published by the WHO.

Some explanations as to this positive downward trend include the introduction advertising restrictions, increased taxes on alcohol, a ban on alcohol sales between certain hours, and banned street drinking.

The introduction of alcohol-control measures has coincided with increased efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles. However, it is noted that this raised consciousness of healthy living is mainly in wealthier areas and poorer communities, away from the big cities, drinking cheap surrogates and home-made alcohol is still common.