Authors: Robertson S, & Jargin S*
Published Date: 05 January, 2026
Cite: Robertson S, & Jargin S. Alcohol and Alcoholism in Russia: Book Summary and Updated Review. Cryst J Med Res. 2026; 2(1): 01-08.
Abstract
The book “Alcohol and Alcoholism in Russia: Recent History” deals with one of the great scourges of humanity: alcoholism. The focus is on Russia since 1970, but the subject matter is significant in a global context. As such the book should be interesting to experts in medicine and toxicology, social workers, psychologists, students of anthropology, sociology, and history: a broad base of readers. There has been a tendency to exaggerate the topic in order to veil shortcomings of the health care system in Russia, with responsibility for the relatively low life expectancy especially in males shifted onto people, that is, self-inflicted diseases caused by the alcohol abuse. Besides, the purpose of this book is to draw attention to the unstable quality of legally sold beverages, which have caused poisonings up to lethality, even after consumption of moderate doses, offenses against alcoholics and people with alcohol-related dementia, aimed at appropriation of their immobile and other properties, and overtreatment of alcoholics in medical institutions. Some invasive procedures have been used without sufficient indications. Instead of warmongering, the Russian government should provide public assistance to citizens in need, including those suffering from alcoholism and alcohol-related dementia.
Keywords
Alcohol, Alcoholism, Russia, Alcohol Surrogates, Toxicology
