Russians prefer the cheaper and more dangerous alternatives to expensive … – Virtual Poland

Exemptions, cuts in wages and rising prices make it more and more Russians can not afford to More and more expensive alcohol sold in stores, so opt for cheaper, but often dangerous and even lethal alternatives – writes the Associated Press in correspondence with Moscow.
 

Stores sell now much less legally beer and vodka, because they are getting more expensive – partly the fault of the weakening of the ruble, which Maria Peszek cost of imported components. Analysts, however, agree that there is evidence of a decline in consumption, but that strong drink amateurs desperate save on illegal and dangerous black market. Alternatives to drożejącego alcohol in shops is missing. Relatively safe choice vodka is sold on the side of the distillery legal workers, however, other possibilities – the technical alcohols or moonshine run by inexperienced or niesumiennych “producers” – can harm health, and even lead to death.

The most harmful, but most often chosen are “lotions for hair growth or bathroom cleaners” – says analyst Vadim Drobiz. Indicates that the most affected are the poor and remote regions, often where with the collapse of the Soviet state enterprises were closed. Notes that the illegal alcohol trade does not depend on the religion professed by the people – bimbrownictwo blooms in regions inhabited by Muslims.
 

– Many patients who previously could not afford expensive alcohols, now must look for wines cheaper and inferior quality – notes Alexander Polikarpov, a physician and director of rehab in Moscow. He adds that now goes to the more patients with delirium tremens and seizures.
 

Production for own use of alcohol in Russia is legal and does not require special permits. Forcing dachas bootleg on this tradition, and alcohols like it became a cult item in the menu, many trendy Russian units.
 

Beer sales in Russia fell by 10.5 percent. year-on-year (data from January.). Also decreased the sale of vodka, and more popular among older Russians. Significantly affected by actions taken by the government in the fight against the national scourge of alcoholism, including the establishment of a minimum price of vodka, 185 rubles, which is for the residents of poor Russian province is prohibitive. So far the situation has not improved decision made by President Vladimir Putin’s 16-percent price reduction, feted by the national media.
 

Taken by the citizens struggle with alcoholism drives the black market – emphasizes Marina Łapenkowa, an analyst at the Institute Nielsen. It is expected that the recession will deepen this problem yet.
 

At the time of the tsarist regime Bootleggers weakened the universal and very profitable state monopoly on vodka production. In the mid-80s drunkenness was so widespread and so damaging to the economy of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbachev introduced the restrictions on the sale of vodka. After three years of social protests and boom lifted restrictions on moonshine.
 

The Russians are ranked fourth in the world in terms of alcohol consumption per capita – according to data from the World Health Organization for 2010. (No more recent).