Pozdniakova M.E., Bryuno V.V. Prevalence of alcohol problems in Russia during periods of socio-economic crises. Sociology and law. 2023. Vol. 15. No. 4. P. 466-484. DOI 10.35854 ...

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of changes in the alcoholic behavior of the Russian population over a period of more than 40 years. The research focuses on the relationship between socio–economic crises and the prevalence of alcohol problems. It has been shown that during periods of social and economic crises, two behavioral models can manifest themselves: an increase in alcohol consumption due to increased psychological distress, and a decrease in consumption due to budgetary restrictions. Analysis of statistical data and survey materials allows us to conclude that Russia is characterized by large and multiple fluctuations in the prevalence of alcohol consumption. Based on quantitative data, the dynamics of the well-being of citizens and their consumption of alcoholic beverages for the period from 1994 to 2022 was examined. Such parameters as the level of life satisfaction, the level of anxiety about the inability to provide oneself with the most necessary things in the next 12 months, as well as self-assessment of the economic situation and a sense of personal powerlessness were considered. It has been revealed that the tense alcohol situation in Russia is not so much a difficult economic situation as the process of abrupt transformations itself: at the same time, changes in the socio-economic situation, both for the better and for the worse, can increase the level of alcoholism.