Poisonings by alcohol-containing liquids in Russia and overtreatment of supposed alcoholics

During the anti-alcohol campaign in the former Soviet Union (1985-1989), consumption of inexpensive colognes and technical alcohol-containing liquids was widespread. Drinking of non-beverage alcohol decreased abruptly after the campaign, when vodka and beer became readily available and inexpensive. Alcohol consumption predictably increased after the campaign. The upsurge in alcohol consumption facilitated economical reforms of the early 1990s: workers did not oppose privatization of factories partly thanks to their drunkenness. Following abolition of the state alcohol monopoly in 1992, the country was flooded by beverages of poor quality, sold through legally operating shops and kiosks, which caused severe poisonings. Thereafter, the quality of beverages has improved while the consumption tended to decrease. Besides, several aspects of treatment including invasive procedures applied with questionable indications are discussed here. A concluding point is that the society should care of its weaker members, including those suffering of alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related dementia, because they can be maltreated, abused and expropriated. In regard to the future research, toxicity of some alcoholic beverages sold in Russia is of particular importance. Of note, the military and medical ethics are not the same. The comparatively short life expectancy in Russia is a strategic advantage as it necessitates less healthcare investments and pensions. Apparently, this has been a motive of the unethical attitude to persons supposed to have alcohol use disorder, discussed in this chapter.