Belarusian Drinking Culture: Alcohol Of Choice

Alcohol consumption in Belarus is a pressing issue. The country has been recognised as a world leader in alcohol consumption, with the average Belarusian drinking 17.5 litres of alcohol per year, according to a 2014 World Health Organisation report. This is significantly higher than the global average of 6.2 litres. Alcohol abuse has led to severe social problems in Belarus, including a high number of crimes committed under the influence, and it is a contributing factor to the country's high suicide rate. The Belarusian government has attempted to curb alcohol consumption with anti-alcohol programmes, but with limited success.

Belarus is the world's heaviest drinking nation

Belarus has been recognised for years as a world leader in alcohol consumption. In 2010, the country topped the World Health Organisation's report on alcohol consumption, with an average of 17.5 litres of alcohol consumed per capita per year. This is almost three times the global average of 6.2 litres.

Alcohol and society in Belarus

Alcohol has been described as a tool to neutralise activism and numb national consciousness in Belarus. By decreasing alcohol prices, the government can guarantee itself more loyalty and support. Alcohol is also big business in Belarus, with local budgets said to be completely dependent on profits from sales.

The country has a strong alcohol lobby, and the government has been accused of encouraging sales while paying lip service to anti-alcohol policies. Alcohol is available at any time in any store and at petrol stations. It is also very affordable, with a 0.7-litre bottle of cheap fortified wine, known as 'ink', costing just one euro.

Alcohol and crime

Alcohol has been linked to 80% of murders and serious injuries in Belarus, and it is a factor in nearly 35% of all deaths in the country. It is also a major cause of divorces, with half of all marriages in Belarus ending due to excessive drinking.

Alcohol and health

Alcohol is one of the main reasons for suicide in Belarus, which has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. It is also a contributing factor to the country's high rate of premature deaths. Alcohol-related fatalities include liver cirrhosis, various types of cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and intentional self-harm.

Addressing the problem

The Belarusian government has introduced some measures to tackle the country's drinking problem, including an anti-alcohol programme in 2011 that restricted sales and advertising. However, these efforts have been half-hearted, and the government has been accused of putting profits ahead of public health.

To effectively address the issue, Belarus will need to implement more stringent policies and continuous efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm. This could include increasing alcohol prices, cracking down on illegal alcohol production, and restricting the places and times when alcohol can be sold.

Alcohol prices are lower than in neighbouring countries

Alcohol prices in Belarus are lower than in neighbouring countries. This is a deliberate strategy by the government to neutralise activism and numb national consciousness. By decreasing alcohol prices, the authorities guarantee themselves more loyalty and support. This is especially true during elections or economic difficulties, when the prices of alcohol are lowered even further.

Cheap alcohol is also used as a tool to hide the economic and social difficulties that Belarus has yet to overcome. The Belarusian government has been discussing banning the most popular form of alcohol, cheap fortified wine, since 1999. However, the profit that cheap wine brings in, making up around 30% of the profit of the entire industry, makes a ban seem unlikely. Political scientist Jury Čavusaŭ believes that 'local budgets completely depend on profits from alcohol sales' and that 'any anti-alcohol policy is ineffective as long as the price for alcohol remains so low'.

The availability of alcohol exacerbates the country's alcohol problem. Belarusians can currently buy alcohol at any time in any store and at petrol stations. In Lithuania, in contrast, alcohol can be sold starting at 10 am until 10 pm; in Sweden, alcohol stronger than 3.5% is available only at one government-controlled chain and can be purchased until 7 pm. Moreover, the experience of neighbouring countries, such as Russia, proves that increasing the price for cheap wines and strong spirits could decrease alcoholism.

Alcohol is used to manipulate the public

Alcohol is a powerful substance that has the potential to alter an individual's perception and behaviour. It can be used to manipulate the public in various ways, and here are some paragraphs exploring this issue:

Alcohol's Impact on Judgement and Inhibition

Alcohol is known to lower inhibitions and impair judgement. This effect can be exploited to manipulate individuals or groups. When intoxicated, people may be more susceptible to suggestions or influences that they would normally resist. This can range from simple persuasion to more coercive tactics like blackmail or bribery. For instance, an individual under the influence of alcohol may be more likely to divulge sensitive information, make impulsive purchases, or agree to questionable deals.

Alcohol as a Social Lubricant

Alcohol has long been associated with social gatherings and celebrations. It is often used to facilitate social interactions and create a sense of camaraderie. However, this aspect of alcohol can also be manipulated to influence group dynamics. In certain situations, alcohol may be used to foster a false sense of unity or camaraderie within a group, making individuals more amenable to suggestions or directions from group leaders. This can be particularly effective in settings like workplaces or social clubs, where excessive drinking may be normalised and individuals are pressured to conform.

Alcohol Advertising and Media Portrayals

Alcohol advertising and media portrayals can shape public perceptions and behaviours related to alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that exposure to alcohol advertising, especially at a young age, can influence drinking beliefs and behaviours. Young people who are frequently exposed to alcohol advertisements may develop more positive attitudes towards drinking and be more likely to initiate drinking. Additionally, media portrayals of drinking, such as in films or television shows, can also contribute to the normalisation of alcohol consumption and influence drinking behaviours. Portrayals of drinking as glamorous or humorous can be particularly influential, especially for impressionable youth.

Economic Manipulation and Alcohol Availability

Alcohol availability and pricing play a significant role in public consumption patterns. By manipulating the availability and cost of alcohol, governments or industries can influence drinking behaviours. For example, reducing the number of outlets that sell alcohol or imposing purchase restrictions during specific hours can curb alcohol consumption. Additionally, keeping alcohol prices low or offering discounted rates during certain periods can encourage excessive drinking. These tactics can be used to manipulate public spending and consumption patterns, with potential economic or social consequences.

Alcohol-Related Health Issues and Treatment

Alcohol has significant impacts on health, and the manipulation of alcohol availability or pricing can indirectly affect public health. For instance, easy access to cheap alcohol can lead to increased alcohol-related health issues, such as liver cirrhosis or alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy. Additionally, the availability and affordability of alcohol can influence the demand for and effectiveness of alcohol treatment programs. Manipulating alcohol availability may be used as a means to control the prevalence of alcohol-related health issues within a population.

Alcoholism is a serious social problem

Alcohol abuse can lead to cognitive impairments, decreased judgement and self-control, impaired decision-making, reduced inhibitions, and increased engagement in risky behaviours. These factors contribute to a heightened risk of violence and crime. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that harmful alcohol use is a significant contributor to violence, and alcohol consumption has been linked to 35% of violent assaults in the US. Alcohol is also a factor in various forms of abuse, including child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

Alcohol abuse can have detrimental effects on mental health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide. It can also negatively impact relationships, leading to family dysfunction, school or work difficulties, and legal issues. From a socioeconomic perspective, alcohol abuse results in substantial financial costs, including healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and social welfare programmes.

In Belarus, alcoholism has had severe social consequences. It is estimated that 75% of Belarusians consume alcohol, and there are approximately 170,000 registered alcoholics, constituting almost 2% of the population. Alcohol abuse has been linked to a high number of crimes in the country, with 25% of all crimes committed by intoxicated individuals. Alcoholism has also contributed to the decline of collective farms (kolkhozy), the basis of the rural economy, as people opt to drink instead of working, leading to a lack of interest in agricultural labour.

To address the issue of alcoholism, the Belarusian government has implemented various measures, including banning cheap fruit wines, increasing alcohol prices, imposing tougher penalties for drink driving, restricting alcohol advertising, and considering raising the drinking age. However, despite these efforts, alcoholism remains a significant social problem in Belarus, and further proactive measures are needed to effectively tackle this issue.

Alcohol is linked to high suicide rates

Alcohol consumption in Belarus grew rapidly up to 2010, when it reached the highest level in the world. In 2010, Belarus had an alcohol consumption of 17.5 litres per person per year, with men consuming as much as 27.5 litres per person. In comparison, the average global alcohol consumption is 6.2 litres per person per year. Alcohol abuse played a major role in Belarus being cited as one of the four unhealthiest countries in the world.

The link between alcohol and suicide was first advanced in the mid-1960s and has been confirmed in recent years. Alcohol use and suicide are intimately linked, but they are both complex phenomena, springing from a multitude of factors. Alcohol use is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for suicide, but it may be regarded as a contributing factor. Alcohol use increases the risk of suicide by reducing fear and inhibition, impairing judgment and decision-making, increasing impulsivity and aggression, and changing mood states.

In Belarus, alcohol is a factor in 80% of murders and serious physical injuries. Belarus is among the top ten countries with the highest suicide rates, and alcoholism or heavy drinking directly or indirectly causes, and influences, the majority of these suicides. Belarus also ranks second in the world for the number of divorces per capita, and every second marriage in the country falls apart due to excessive drinking.

The younger generation in Belarus provides a glimmer of hope. In recent years, many young people, especially those living in larger cities, have been adopting healthy lifestyles, including swapping cars and public transport for bicycles. However, alcohol use is deeply ingrained in the lifestyle of many Belarusians, and turning this situation around will not be easy.

Frequently asked questions