Russian alcohol policy in the making

Alcohol and Alcoholism Advance Access published online on May 30, 2007







This paper examines implementation of the 2005 federal alcohol control law in the Russian Federation.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially spirits, has been one the most significant public health problems in Russia for many centuries. Prior attempts to control alcohol consumption have been unsuccessful, in part due to the government's reliance on alcohol revenue, and its inability to implement creative and manageable solutions in the light of the high drinking rates.

Implementation of this legislation has been a challenge in Russia because of administrative oversight, lack of organizational preparation, and corruption.

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 presnted substantial setbacks toward realization of this legislation.

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Reprint Request E-mail: levintovam@mail.nih.gov
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