Russia’s rate of alcohol consumption remains among the highest in the world. Studies have found that most Russian men die before the age of 55 years due to alcohol poisoning or liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The average life expectancy for Russian men is 64 years only, which ranks among the 50 lowest countries in the entire world. Moreover, the weather of this country also plays a great role in provoking individuals to drink. In general, consuming alcohol is a lifestyle for them.
Binge alcohol drinking is a common practice in Russia. In this country, alcoholism is pervasive. The most famous Russian drinks are Vodka, Nastoika, Medovukha, Beer, Soviet Champagne, and Ararat Brandy. As per the reports generated by the WHO (World Health Organization) in 2011, 15.76 liters is the annual per capita alcohol consumption. This is the fourth-highest volume in Europe. However, a major drop in this amount (to even less than 10 liters) was reported in 2019. This became possible because of the national ban on sales of alcohol-containing beverages from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. The dramatic decline in the total volume of alcohol consumption has further led to a decreased number of alcohol-related deaths in Russia.
Alcohol and Cancer
Alcohol and cancer are very much related to each other. More specifically, alcohol remains to be one of the major causes of cancer. The more alcohol you consume, the higher your risk of cancer. Majorly, alcohol consumption is a risk factor for cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, colon, rectum, liver, and breast. This is because your body breaks down alcohol into a chemical (acetaldehyde) that damages the DNA and hinders the repairing process. Thus, when DNA gets damaged, the cells in a particular area can start to grow out of control and cause cancer.
Even cancer patients who consume alcohol push themselves towards a decreased survival rate. This is quite relevant in countries like Russia where alcohol consumption is prevalent. Plus, alcoholism in this country has been socially acceptable. This factor contributes the most to the deaths related to alcohol, cancer, or both.
The last word
Due to alcohol consumption, the death rate in Russia had been increasing till strict alcohol laws were introduced and implemented. Since then, a notable decrease in the mortality rate has been visible. Moreover, this has also influenced the rate of deaths caused by the consequences of alcohol consumption including alcohol poisoning, cancer, and liver damage or failure.