Russia's Impending Drink Catastrophe

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 10. 04. 2008
  • Drinking away the Pain (2003): More and more Russians are turning to drink to help numb the pain of post-Soviet life.
    Russians consume over half the world's hard liqueur. Vodka is often cheaper than non-alcoholic drinks and beer is marketed as a soft drink. As a result, alcoholism has reached record levels, pushing down life expectancies for Russian men to just 58. "As a rule, the Russian drinks until he falls. Some continue drinking even when they're lying down," explains one man. Unfortunately there are few places alcoholics can turn to for help. "I lost my family, I lost my house, everything," recalls one former alcoholic sadly. He's one of the lucky ones - a church charity took him in. For most Russian alcoholics, the only refuge available is a humiliating night in a 'sober-cell.' "Russia has a very tragic history ... we have permanently faced cataclysm. Alcohol helps weak people to escape," explains theatre director Yuri Lubimov. Unless the quality of life for more people improves, Russians will continue to seek refuge in the most traditional of cures.
    ABC Australia - Ref. 1901
    Journeyman Pictures is your independent source for the world's most powerful films, exploring the burning issues of today. We represent stories from the world's top producers, with brand new content coming in all the time. On our channel you'll find outstanding and controversial journalism covering any global subject you can imagine wanting to know about.

Komentáře • 2,4K

  • @Dancingonthesun
    @Dancingonthesun Před 3 lety +165

    I quit drinking last year and videos like this help reinforce that I don't need to drink.

    • @shreddykrueger3776
      @shreddykrueger3776 Před 2 lety +11

      Day 3 for me.

    • @Dancingonthesun
      @Dancingonthesun Před 2 lety +6

      @@shreddykrueger3776 good luck! It's going to get worse before it gets better, but better will come! Stay strong and hang in there!

    • @jeanieolahful
      @jeanieolahful Před 2 lety +5

      @@shreddykrueger3776 check out “Allen Carr’s Easyway to Control Alcohol “. The book was a game changer for me! Five and 1/2 months and I’m doing wonderful! There are some CZcams videos about it, as well. Also check out Annie Grace and Sober Leon. Good stuff there! Best wishes to you!

    • @Jahflor
      @Jahflor Před 2 lety +5

      Day 2

    • @shreddykrueger3776
      @shreddykrueger3776 Před 2 lety +6

      Stil going good

  • @tyrone42ful
    @tyrone42ful Před 5 lety +599

    Life expectancy is 58 ...wow that's incredibly low

    • @lj6109
      @lj6109 Před 5 lety +54

      Definitely looks like it's on par with African countries

    • @redhedkev1
      @redhedkev1 Před 5 lety +19

      Male life expectancy in Russia, according to this video.

    • @lj6109
      @lj6109 Před 5 lety +55

      @@redhedkev1
      Still shockingly low for a European country though

    • @rmux1711
      @rmux1711 Před 5 lety +8

      It's a lie to dumbass

    • @rmux1711
      @rmux1711 Před 4 lety +5

      @Unmarked Helicopter you said it yourself dumbass. In some AREAS just like in the US. Keyword is area buddy

  •  Před 4 lety +572

    Four words I didn't expect to hear together:
    State sponsored drinking games

    • @fusionxtras
      @fusionxtras Před 3 lety +10

      Competitive beer pong exists. So sponsored drinking games isnt far off that one just have a mayor endorse it

    • @MrYarik04
      @MrYarik04 Před 3 lety +3

      It is a thing of a long past now, thankfully

    • @jaytea4093
      @jaytea4093 Před 3 lety +7

      In Mother Russia alcohol consume you

    • @ladymacbethofmtensk896
      @ladymacbethofmtensk896 Před 3 lety +3

      In the words of the Prince Vladimir of Kiev, "Drinking is the joy of Rus'."

    • @ixlnxs
      @ixlnxs Před 3 lety +4

      Russia is a failed state. Its people, its government and everything in between is in the clutches of twin evils: alcohol and religion. The bread and circuses of the modern Caesar, Putin.

  • @brianazmy3156
    @brianazmy3156 Před 2 lety +114

    I can honestly say that it wrecked my life. After having to bury my wife I took my sorrows out on a bottle and it almost cost me my life. I have since checked myself into a rehab a few short years ago and am in the process of starting a new life without alcohol and drugs. I can definitely say I have better friends too. We look out for each other and it has helped more than I could ever imagined.

  • @Waterflux
    @Waterflux Před 10 lety +1077

    Vodka, or alcohol in general, has been Russia's primary means of getting away from its dreary and harsh reality for quite a while. This helps to explain the ubiquity of alcohol even during the roughest of the Soviet era. It would be suicidal for politicians to naïvely restrict access to alcohol without giving the Russians other things to keep themselves busy, such as decent jobs. Without alcohol, instead of drinking themselves into oblivion, the Russians would be more likely to do something explosive and become more openly hostile to the Kremlin. In this respect, access to alcohol is a means of social control.

    • @a916LEX
      @a916LEX Před 6 lety +42

      Waterflux alcohol is an escape.

    • @woloabel
      @woloabel Před 5 lety +7

      Waterflux u suppose they will sell Russia like the manahatan Indian did in New york...?

    • @Tunawesmake
      @Tunawesmake Před 5 lety +33

      I think it is a cultural issue more than just an escape. If it was an escape to the said conditions Africa and Asia would drink more given 3rd world living conditions harsher than Russia

    • @SiliconBong
      @SiliconBong Před 5 lety +12

      NewZealand isn't far behind russia in terms of alcohol consumption, in terms of the average liters per head of population.

    • @HipHopCantSaveMe
      @HipHopCantSaveMe Před 5 lety +5

      Interesting...makes sense!

  • @esieffer
    @esieffer Před 3 lety +86

    The problem with booze is one day you sober up and find most of your life is over, with little to show for it. That is a tragedy.

    • @markevans8446
      @markevans8446 Před 2 lety +14

      Thez trick is : never sober up

    • @prapordoc5164
      @prapordoc5164 Před 6 měsíci

      не пьём мы много в России,не верьте

  • @thef8ofman984
    @thef8ofman984 Před 5 lety +471

    Well, this explains all those crazy Russian Road videos!!

    • @proudtitanicdenier4300
      @proudtitanicdenier4300 Před 5 lety +18

      It's because everyone is required to have a dash cam.

    • @cancerfour69er
      @cancerfour69er Před 4 lety +2

      🤣🤣🤣🤣yep that tickled me

    • @TCM-dw3pz
      @TCM-dw3pz Před 4 lety +5

      When I in Russia, it helps to drink Vodka when drive.Strangely less people are killed when driving in Russia.

    • @onceANexile
      @onceANexile Před 3 lety

      They dont have drivers education.

  • @sleddy01
    @sleddy01 Před 5 lety +185

    "The cause of and solution to all of life's problems." Homer J Simpson.

  • @crysta2k2
    @crysta2k2 Před 12 lety +209

    "Doctors even advise me to drink a small glass of vodka to help increase blood circulation."
    Spoken like a true alcoholic....

    • @mbgal7758
      @mbgal7758 Před 3 lety +13

      crysta2k2 my thoughts exactly. I’ve known some major alcoholics and they made excuses like that. Oh it’s good for me. Just a little is fine. Yeah sure maybe for other people. 😒

    • @Slavicplayer251
      @Slavicplayer251 Před 3 lety +5

      no the doctor is right 1 shot of vodka a days will reduce the chance of heart disease, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer & disease and kidney failure
      in fact even the australia and new zealand governments support it

    • @florinmihaiielcean3009
      @florinmihaiielcean3009 Před 3 lety +2

      @@Slavicplayer251 - australia and new zealand governments support 1 shot of whiskey a day .

    • @Slavicplayer251
      @Slavicplayer251 Před 3 lety +1

      @@florinmihaiielcean3009 they support 1 short of alcohol where the percentage is 20% to 40%

    • @lonarbuckle9788
      @lonarbuckle9788 Před 3 lety +2

      @@Slavicplayer251 fine if can spell moderation....i still can,t at 66.

  • @bryanreize1
    @bryanreize1 Před 10 lety +1370

    "beer is a soft drink" lol

    • @user-sl7wh6iu4m
      @user-sl7wh6iu4m Před 6 lety +124

      Well , isn't it ?

    • @RNA0ROGER
      @RNA0ROGER Před 6 lety +38

      I often drink everclear that makes vodka taste like nothing.

    • @rubym357
      @rubym357 Před 6 lety +3

      You and me both...

    • @toprightchannel3080
      @toprightchannel3080 Před 5 lety +59

      If someone's staple drink is vodka then I can imagine they would struggle to feel THAT drunk off a beverage that is 4%. They simply wouldn't be able to stomach the amount of beer it would take for them to feel properly drunk.

    • @dadude4960
      @dadude4960 Před 5 lety +8

      yup. it is.
      i say this as a Czech living in Germany.
      kangaroo brandy isn't though. so the Aussies should be quiet.

  • @brpitrepeters7983
    @brpitrepeters7983 Před 4 lety +57

    As a Canadian with similar winters I can honestly say that it makes sense to be shitfaced all winter long.
    Either that or a walk in the woods.

    • @ElenaKomleva
      @ElenaKomleva Před 3 lety +7

      In such cold climates it is much more dangerous to drink alcohol in excess. People freeze to death all the time, especially during the New Year holidays during which they drink the most in Russia (and Canada, only for Canada it is Christmas holidays, not sure about the freezing to death part in Canada though).

    • @brpitrepeters7983
      @brpitrepeters7983 Před 3 lety +3

      @@ElenaKomleva
      Worked Northern Alberta and Southern Yukon,, worked for weeks
      in minus 25 to 40th degree Celcious.. weather..if you are dressed for the cold you won't feel it.
      You need layer upon layer of
      cotton and wool and a hoody or two
      Some cotton work gloves and some good Moose Mitts..you be dressed up and only thing showing is a slit around the eyes..
      They would shut us down around minus 40.. we were paid very very well.. theres a Robert Service poem
      About the cold.. it's pretty good to

    • @Palimbacchius
      @Palimbacchius Před 2 lety +2

      @@brpitrepeters7983 And a brilliant short story by Jack London called 'To Build a Fire'.

  • @grimlund
    @grimlund Před 5 lety +46

    30 days sober now. The last withdrawal I had was absolutely horryfying. Both mentaly and physically. The problem with me is that if I start to drink I don´t want to quit. My inner intention is to never drink again ever. Dont now if Im gonna make it. The longer it gets from your last drink the more delusive and tricky the alcohol gets. It pretty easy to start to drink again.

    • @thomassmestead2801
      @thomassmestead2801 Před 2 lety +4

      I have been sober for over 40 years. If I can do it - you can do it.

    • @R.U.1.2.
      @R.U.1.2. Před 2 lety +2

      You've made a good start...quitting, now you need the support of other people in the same boat. Get up the courage to get some help from AA. They have various meetings for specific kinds of people, ie: general types of people or engineers or the homeless, poor, etc. I wouldn't have made it without them. When you feel like a drink, there is help in talking to someone whose been there. Alone, your chances are not nearly as successful.

    • @therealrobertbirchall
      @therealrobertbirchall Před 2 lety +3

      Try weed

    • @glennduke5853
      @glennduke5853 Před 2 lety +2

      Don't drink! Just don't!

    • @knutmotzki2387
      @knutmotzki2387 Před 2 lety +1

      Congratulation ! I,m sober for two years now..was at a great party yesterday,remember all we talked ,got not into fights and quarrels,have nothing to be ashamed of,,yeah!! This was different when i had my fill up,s ... Now i watch the folks who are still drinking,i listen to their repetitions ,try to follow the topics..the behavior..and sometimes feel sad for them,..after my hard withdraw symptoms i know i will never take alcohol again in my system.there are moments ,when someone at the bar want,s to buy you a drink..and you say"no thanks,,i,m an alcoholic...they look ...and one could think thats shameful..but it,s an Triumph...good luck!

  • @redhedkev1
    @redhedkev1 Před 5 lety +40

    I have Russian friends...there were a few things they taught me about "Russian Drinking Protocol"
    One: "You don't toast with water", as in real, plain, H2O...it's considered bad luck.
    Two: If you open a bottle of vodka with friends....you throw away the cap...you FINISH the bottle. Yeah, they can pound the vodka alright.

    • @ironspaghett
      @ironspaghett Před 2 lety +3

      They also sell bottles of vodka where you can't screw the cap back on lol

    • @anthonygerace8926
      @anthonygerace8926 Před 2 lety +5

      Back in the eighties I had a young (at the time) IT co-worker from Russia. When he wanted to call another guy (jokingly or not) a wimp, he'd call the guy a "beer drinker". Apparently that's because "real men" drink only vodka.

    • @ironspaghett
      @ironspaghett Před 2 lety

      @Neil Rusling yes, it's the alcoholic bacteria in the air from alcoholics breath

    • @alteredbeast7145
      @alteredbeast7145 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Not toasting with water is not just Russian

    • @timur6532
      @timur6532 Před 6 měsíci

      “If I fall asleep and wake up in a hundred years and they ask me what is happening in Russia now, I will answer: they drink and steal...
      Alas! Not even a quarter of an hour had passed, and it already seemed to me that now was the perfect time to drink vodka."
      Mikhail Evgrafovich Saltykov-Shchedrin (1826-1889) - Russian writer.

  • @concernedcitizen6577
    @concernedcitizen6577 Před 5 lety +36

    "Beer is a soft drink" - says the Russian man.

  • @michaelg3671
    @michaelg3671 Před 5 lety +91

    Since this documentary was made (2003), alcohol consumption in Russia has fallen by almost 50%, alcohol related deaths have also fallen by over 50%. Still a booze country but no where near as horrific as it was back in 2003.

    • @Umberto2
      @Umberto2 Před 2 lety +7

      Thank you for this information.I’m glad to hear this.

    • @mijreed
      @mijreed Před 2 lety +30

      Haha and you actually BELIEVE this?

    • @sparklesparklesparkle6318
      @sparklesparklesparkle6318 Před 2 lety +10

      @@mijreed they switch from vodka to corona.

    • @marklampo8164
      @marklampo8164 Před 2 lety

      Gorby restricted vodka sales and the sale of grain and sugar shot up as the stills fired up! I was making hooch in Iowa and sick as a dog at the time; I felt "solidarnos!"

    • @seansyddall7950
      @seansyddall7950 Před 2 lety +7

      Probably worse now

  • @tiqo8549
    @tiqo8549 Před 7 měsíci +2

    i'm more in shock that this video is uploaded over 15 years ago. Is youtube around for that long already ?

  • @SeanQuinn
    @SeanQuinn Před 10 lety +42

    Wow Russians drink half of all hard liquor consumed in the world. Thats incredible. Im American and I once drank with a couple Russian laborers and it blew my mind how they could chug a 12 oz glass of vodka every 15-20 minutes. While drinking cheap beer in between. I got the hell out of there. Lol

    • @user-vw5dh6qj4x
      @user-vw5dh6qj4x Před 9 lety +4

      ты лжец!....русские не выпивают половину всех крепких напитков в Мире...на Западе люди пьют больше русских но более культурно

    • @user-vw5dh6qj4x
      @user-vw5dh6qj4x Před 9 lety +1

      ***** idiot)))))) I have over 20 years of experience in powerlifting and perform at competitions....go drink whiskey gin and rejoice life moron))))))))))

    • @user-vw5dh6qj4x
      @user-vw5dh6qj4x Před 9 lety

      ***** а ты уже давно умер))))))

    • @user-vw5dh6qj4x
      @user-vw5dh6qj4x Před 9 lety

      Sean Quinn американцы занимают одно из первых мест в Мире по потреблению алкоголя и наркотиков....не чеши мне тут свой бред

    • @tommyrus3435
      @tommyrus3435 Před 9 lety

      ***** Well, for that, you get what you hate us so much !?

  • @tokyoblaze
    @tokyoblaze Před 6 lety +56

    "Everyone is preoccupied with politics"...has a portrait of Lenin and a flag of Russia in the back...lol

    • @Mooplet
      @Mooplet Před 3 lety +1

      and hes rocking the same haircut/beard combo as the portrait lol

  • @bluedolphin5792
    @bluedolphin5792 Před rokem +12

    I'm thinking it was worth being an alcoholic to enjoy the clean and sober life that I live now. Looking forward to waking every morning feeling like a million bucks.

    • @danielb27
      @danielb27 Před rokem +1

      How's it going now dolphin?

    • @bluedolphin5792
      @bluedolphin5792 Před rokem +1

      @@danielb27nine years sober, never thought I would be able brag to about that.

  • @jerodwolf5582
    @jerodwolf5582 Před 3 lety +11

    People aren’t born alcoholics, they are pressured by the stresses of their hardships in life, which leads them to easing their pain by becoming numb and forgetting.
    It’s a sad thing how addiction can send it going all down. Take care of yourselves, cause you only got one chance to live it up on this earth.

    • @jussikankinen9409
      @jussikankinen9409 Před 4 měsíci

      Grown man dont need milk so why do children need to drink alcohol

  • @arturo.gonzalex
    @arturo.gonzalex Před 10 lety +191

    Lenin's portrait in the church WTF???

    • @whitelutik
      @whitelutik Před 9 lety +26

      I know, right haha

    • @trunkschillman
      @trunkschillman Před 5 lety +20

      Nostalgia

    • @davidlodiemyer5698
      @davidlodiemyer5698 Před 5 lety +11

      You know all religions are just really crime cindicates, they will beg for money, rape your children, impregnate the nuns and steal your hard earned money.

    • @jamesb.9155
      @jamesb.9155 Před 5 lety +1

      He must be doing barrel rolls inside his glass crypt!

    • @jamesb.9155
      @jamesb.9155 Před 5 lety +7

      @@davidlodiemyer5698 Oh right, well, thanks so much for enlightening us, dude, lol!

  • @Sarah.Riedel
    @Sarah.Riedel Před 5 lety +196

    6:37: "Where do you live?"
    [Man laughs]
    "Okay, I understand."
    Jesus christ

  • @madmanszalinski
    @madmanszalinski Před 5 lety +37

    $2 for water and $1 for soda, and everyone is drunk AF 24/7.
    Russia is West Virginia.

  • @thomassmestead2801
    @thomassmestead2801 Před 2 lety +30

    During the Soviet period, some of the MIG's used grain alcohol as an engine coolant, which the ground crews syphoned off to drink
    Fully 1/4 of the Soviet Air Force was rendered inoperable due to this problem.

    • @pbxn-3rdx-85percent
      @pbxn-3rdx-85percent Před 2 lety +2

      Wasn't it for the avionics, specifically the radar electronics?
      MiGs, the flying liquor bar. 😄

    • @gaoxiaen1
      @gaoxiaen1 Před 2 lety +5

      @@pbxn-3rdx-85percent It was used as hydraulic fluid antifreeze. The troops replaced the alcohol with water, and the planes started crashing.

    • @timur6532
      @timur6532 Před 6 měsíci

      “If I fall asleep and wake up in a hundred years and they ask me what is happening in Russia now, I will answer: they drink and steal...
      Alas! Not even a quarter of an hour had passed, and it already seemed to me that now was the perfect time to drink vodka."
      Mikhail Evgrafovich Saltykov-Shchedrin (1826-1889) - Russian writer.

  • @kamalmann4981
    @kamalmann4981 Před 9 lety +143

    This saddens me deeply.....I wish these people had better lives so they wouldn't have to drown their sorrows in alcohol

    • @Martytoofree
      @Martytoofree Před 9 lety +5

      some may do it... but some doesn't russians are proud about their vodka that is why they drink it.. but not only for sorrow but also for celebration it has ups and downs like everything, also everyone is not alcoholic alcoholic is adicted to alcohol.. I don't think most of russians is addicted...

    • @jpsilo4535
      @jpsilo4535 Před 9 lety +4

      Their lives r so shitty they need something to escape it

    • @iljastalberg5610
      @iljastalberg5610 Před 9 lety +5

      Kamal Mann Prozac Generation is better ?

    • @marioformosa4259
      @marioformosa4259 Před 8 lety +3

      +Kamal Mann I too. Whereas Americans are very happy with the largest population in prison in the world.

    • @jpsilo4535
      @jpsilo4535 Před 8 lety +1

      *****
      I suppose its better than disappearing them. Thankfully most americans dont know any1 in prison

  • @vulgartroll6644
    @vulgartroll6644 Před 8 lety +394

    would rather be around a stoner than an alcoholic but rather be around alcoholic than dangerous Meth head or desperate heroin addict

    • @SiliconBong
      @SiliconBong Před 5 lety +3

      yeah

    • @ianinvan
      @ianinvan Před 5 lety +4

      +Da Dude
      If only Louis CK knew that someone was already watching ...

    • @rray1953
      @rray1953 Před 5 lety +8

      Da Dude ...Hmm... Who's most likely to steal everything of value you might happen to own? The Christian?

    • @FYMASMD
      @FYMASMD Před 5 lety +2

      I would not be around any people that are high. Most everyone now.

    • @oldgysgt
      @oldgysgt Před 5 lety +4

      That's like saying it's better to die of a stroke than a heart attack: WTF

  • @gordonfreeman6804
    @gordonfreeman6804 Před rokem +4

    Top 10 Countries with the Highest Alcohol Consumption in 2019 (in liters of pure alcohol per capita):
    Czechia - 14.26
    Latvia - 13.19
    Moldova - 12.85
    Germany - 12.79
    Lithuania - 12.78
    Ireland - 12.75
    Spain - 12.67
    Uganda - 12.48
    Bulgaria - 12.46
    Luxembourg - 12.45

    • @BamBamSr
      @BamBamSr Před 10 měsíci +1

      Gee, how many of those are former Soviet republics? Gotta love that positive Russian influence huh?🤣

  • @billwill7383
    @billwill7383 Před 2 lety +12

    Due to current events I bet alcoholism will be back on the rise.

  • @the2wheelcowboy
    @the2wheelcowboy Před 8 lety +4

    Thank you Curtis, I wish you the absolute best. Keep up with your groups - its a 24 hour program.

  • @HareshKainth
    @HareshKainth Před 14 lety +18

    I'm a British Indian and i just spent 2 weeks in Saint Petersburg Russia. It was truly an amazing and special time. I spent time with my Russian friend. Yes, I saw a lot of people drinking alcohol but that is no more different then people in England. We have a big problem here in England with alcohol. Anyways, Russian people I met were intelligent, non-alcoholic and simply they were the most warm, welcoming, gentle people I have ever met.

    • @ixlnxs
      @ixlnxs Před 3 lety

      Well, if you compare polite society in Russia with the common folk in England, that may be true.

    • @timur6532
      @timur6532 Před 6 měsíci +1

      “If I fall asleep and wake up in a hundred years and they ask me what is happening in Russia now, I will answer: they drink and steal...
      Alas! Not even a quarter of an hour had passed, and it already seemed to me that now was the perfect time to drink vodka."
      Mikhail Evgrafovich Saltykov-Shchedrin (1826-1889) - Russian writer.

  • @abrahkadabra9501
    @abrahkadabra9501 Před 6 lety +101

    As a non-drinker I don't buy the line that the reason Russians drink themselves to death is because of their harsh existence. There are plenty of other places in the world where life is much harsher. Drinking in excess is tradition in Russia and drinking at social events is a tradition almost everywhere else on the planet. Drunks the world over always make excuses about how hard their lives are but what they don't tell you is how drinking makes their lives much harder.

    • @jackeljefe3032
      @jackeljefe3032 Před 5 lety +26

      Horatio Jones you don’t drink how would you know

    • @dingovory
      @dingovory Před 5 lety +9

      Drugs become a crutch with excessive and persistent use. After a while, you use them to feel normal. And when you're down, you use them to feel better.

    • @infiltr80r
      @infiltr80r Před 5 lety +12

      Where is life harsher and the weather terrible? You can't compare to tropical places, lack of sunlight does strange things to people.

    • @BillFromTheHill100
      @BillFromTheHill100 Před 5 lety +6

      You need a drink

    • @koolkitties8552
      @koolkitties8552 Před 5 lety +2

      @TheLaughingMan0603 Or take high doese of vitamin D

  • @TheOnlyCollection
    @TheOnlyCollection Před 6 lety +15

    They are drinking it like water

  • @stormywindmill
    @stormywindmill Před 10 lety +58

    Such a vast country of immense riches and potential with relatively small population , Every Russian should be inspired to do their best to build the greatest society ever seen , But alas this will not happen and Russia is actually a dying Dinosaur , I worked in USSR 1984--86 Alcoholism was a huge problem then and now seems to be even worse , Oh dear rather sad .

    • @glennduke5853
      @glennduke5853 Před 2 lety +2

      Lenin stopped the production of vodka. Stalin resumed it.

    • @petergrundy8081
      @petergrundy8081 Před 2 lety

      They waste money are unproductive steal from the nation take money offshore are paranoid and corrupt

  • @bobsmith-hk3eh
    @bobsmith-hk3eh Před 8 lety +18

    What do you call a Russian version of "Alcoholics anonymous"?.....A beer pub!

  • @Citizen_X.
    @Citizen_X. Před 4 lety +4

    Alcoholism has to do with culture I guess. In China, alcohol is also a part of culture, people drink a shot everyday with dinner. Alcohol is promoted everywhere and a must during all events. There is hard alcohol (50% or above) available in all grocery stores. There are places in the north as harsh and cold as Russia. But, there is less incidence of alcoholism compared to Western countries. One big reason is drinking outside of meals is a big taboo in China.

  • @ralph7545
    @ralph7545 Před 5 lety +4

    Great article about alcohol problem in Russia. Thank you for sharing.

  • @skipsassy1
    @skipsassy1 Před 8 lety +16

    Advertising should be illegal in any form for both!

  • @belamoure
    @belamoure Před 9 lety +80

    Alcoolism is a symptom of a greater problem- the poverty or common folk. My heart goes to them because they endure so much, harshest winter, few social progress and diminishing ruble purchasing power. They are one of the mosty generous, friendly and cultured people on earth but their government has never changed since the founding of olden Moscowia. No politcians cared and care for the Russian people. My heart goes to them Vive la Russie.

  • @user-ii3vn8tn3q
    @user-ii3vn8tn3q Před 2 lety +1

    When hope is lost, and money is low, liquor and drugs offer temporary solace.

  • @edwardsianski725
    @edwardsianski725 Před 2 lety +7

    No amount of Vodka will erase the memories of what Russian troops have done to the civilians in Ukraine.

  • @highihigh
    @highihigh Před 9 lety +119

    In mother russia vodka drinks you

    • @sergioanca351
      @sergioanca351 Před 5 lety

      @Mika 161 no seas penosa por favor. que verguenza.

    • @cucumber623
      @cucumber623 Před 4 lety

      @@sergioanca351 always check your mirrors before overtaking

  • @Shitsuxify
    @Shitsuxify Před 9 lety +26

    The kid at 11:55 with the Juice Box chaser is funny, but a sad funny.

    • @spankymcanus999
      @spankymcanus999 Před 3 lety +1

      I was looking for this comment lol and btw I know this comments 5 years old but hitler wants a pic of your hand

    • @cooladam2167
      @cooladam2167 Před 3 lety

      @Adolf Hitler kek

  • @thomasjordan3449
    @thomasjordan3449 Před 5 lety +10

    Nothing anonymous about appearing in a documentary with ones full name, and face.
    Nonetheless I wish him and all so motivated to get their lives back.

  • @doenjangstew4438
    @doenjangstew4438 Před 5 lety +16

    Alcohol, It makes everything impossible.

    • @paulsimpson8255
      @paulsimpson8255 Před 3 lety +1

      How you mean wen im drinking the easy tasks seem impossible

  • @drjay4983
    @drjay4983 Před 10 lety +38

    Beer: It's not an alcoholic drink. It's a soft drink.
    We love you Russia!

  • @mohainimohamad4038
    @mohainimohamad4038 Před 8 lety +40

    With hard drinks, your liver can only last till you're in your fifties. When it fails, parts of your body will bloat, there's no turning back, then you'll have months or a year to live.
    Quit drinking, and have some hobby like cars, gardening, books to fall back on.

    • @asimcupo7205
      @asimcupo7205 Před 6 lety +2

      What about your fucking country

    • @OfficialRapMV
      @OfficialRapMV Před 5 lety +4

      @@asimcupo7205 whataboutism

    • @proudtitanicdenier4300
      @proudtitanicdenier4300 Před 5 lety +1

      Well it's been proven that ethnic Russians are more immune to alcohol.

    • @infiltr80r
      @infiltr80r Před 5 lety +3

      Nonsense statement, it depends on the amount you drink. Huge difference between 3-4 shots and a bottle.

    • @jorchdatorch842
      @jorchdatorch842 Před 4 lety

      @@asimcupo7205 WHAT ABOUT *MAH* COUNTRY

  • @WineScrounger
    @WineScrounger Před 2 lety +3

    In 2022 this answers a lot of questions

  • @cambs0181
    @cambs0181 Před 2 lety +1

    Been there, done that in my younger years. I have no intention of going back!

  • @alexde7055
    @alexde7055 Před 10 lety +65

    Unfortunately the poverty also is more than 25%....they talk about rates of 80% in the full russia. Many refer to Russia as Moscow only

    • @detroitfettyghost8492
      @detroitfettyghost8492 Před 4 lety +1

      yup.

    • @d74rjm
      @d74rjm Před 4 lety

      Are you realy sure about that, alex ? Realy-realy sure ? I guess not !

    • @tolmie1141
      @tolmie1141 Před 3 lety

      It's true I lived over there for two years most people are very poor. It's still a failed State extremely authoritarian and the government will never change so it will never change its a lost cause. No land locked country in history has ever been rich! Basically Russia especially in the winter time is nothing but a land locked country on a Ice Berg.

  • @vincentdublino7136
    @vincentdublino7136 Před 7 lety +39

    So beer is to russians what an E&J wine cooler is to 1980's Americans?

    • @iansolo3402
      @iansolo3402 Před 3 lety +2

      Even spelt it wrong like an alcoholic

  • @hannecatton2179
    @hannecatton2179 Před 3 lety +1

    12 years and still no report in the media about the catastrophe !

  • @robkunkel8833
    @robkunkel8833 Před 2 lety +13

    I’ve been on both sides of the Drink v No Drink debate and the bottom line is there is no nutritional value in alcohol. Even that little bit of “red wine at night for the blood” b.s. is not true. I drink wine, perhaps a strong beer but I know I have to do something to remove the toxins. My solution is tea, as much as possible all day. At night a camomile tea, after any wine. It’s not a proven solution but I’m really active at 75. Got to go. Doing an open mic tonight.

    • @jussikankinen9409
      @jussikankinen9409 Před 4 měsíci

      Doctors are lie sellers, i dont need to to believe it helping pressure

  • @bluedragon219123
    @bluedragon219123 Před 9 lety +26

    Is it me or is it a bit odd for a Priest to have a photo of Lenin?

    • @MrVlad12340
      @MrVlad12340 Před 4 lety +2

      bluedragon219123 its like second religion. Even if communists oppressed the Church “common” people associate both Gods, Heavens and Communism with all the things good but “not of this world” so it strangely overlaps.

    • @cucumber623
      @cucumber623 Před 4 lety

      hell no, comrade lenin will always be in our hearts

    • @jgdooley2003
      @jgdooley2003 Před 3 lety +2

      The only link to communism and the church I can think of is that Stalin started life as a seminarian....studying for the priesthood. Russian communism took many ceremonial forms and celebrations from the religious services of the time as these were familiar to the people. A bit like the way US politicians say God Bless America as a final thought in their speeches.

  • @MikeGrimnir
    @MikeGrimnir Před 9 lety +12

    The world is changing. Russia stops drinking. 2014 consumption of pure alcohol per capita of 13 liters per year. (2009 - 18 liters)

    • @jonbyron38
      @jonbyron38 Před 5 lety +2

      What.ev...i dont drink 13 liters in 2 yrs.😅

  • @davekn74
    @davekn74 Před 5 lety +103

    Just a tip, when making a video about a catastrophe don't make it look like a blast with people having a fantastic time.

    • @josecortez5213
      @josecortez5213 Před 5 lety +9

      Where can I drink beer with hot women? Sign me up!

    • @koolkitties8552
      @koolkitties8552 Před 5 lety +8

      Well they think they're having a good time in the moment.

    • @judeseamus
      @judeseamus Před 5 lety +9

      The "fantastic time" is a realistic part of the drinking process. The fallout is where it gets real ugly, real fast.

    • @jorchdatorch842
      @jorchdatorch842 Před 4 lety

      ***alcoholism trigger warning***

    • @k3kboi665
      @k3kboi665 Před 4 lety +4

      How does the booze devil missing teeth being escorted by police seem like having a blast?

  • @zairac2564
    @zairac2564 Před 2 lety +5

    2022: This really helps make sense of the Russian military.

  • @chadtep7571
    @chadtep7571 Před 5 lety +26

    A Russian 🍺 drinker is the equivalent to an American vegan.

  • @MarcusSchott
    @MarcusSchott Před 4 lety +3

    When I went to Russia in 2011 - 2012 it blew my mind. They have kegs of beer at all the bus stations

  • @FreedomFirst1st
    @FreedomFirst1st Před 2 lety +2

    Alcoholic beverages by themselves should not blamed for abuse to alcoholic beverages. A person who drinks alcoholic beverages should hold themselves accountable and should be responsible when it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages. Creating a culture of alcohol responsibility in Russia is the only answer in reducing abuse of alcoholic beverages. Prohibition is not an answer.

  • @FawleyJude
    @FawleyJude Před 5 lety +2

    There's definitely lots of drinking going on in Russia, but also huge amounts right next door in Finland, Sweden, Norway, and over to Iceland. Is it a function of Russian poverty? But the Scandinavians are so prosperous...Maybe it's just those long winter nights...

  • @alexanderchenf1
    @alexanderchenf1 Před 5 lety +12

    5:37 A Lenin statue in a Church?

  • @anonfrank546
    @anonfrank546 Před 8 lety +56

    l'd rather be around stoners than drunks. drunks are always causing fights, homicide, killing people with their cars, etc

    • @vulgartroll6644
      @vulgartroll6644 Před 8 lety +3

      at the same time I'd prefer to be around stoners than alcoholics but prefer be around alcoholic than dangerous Meth head or desperate heroin addict

    • @MichaelFay63
      @MichaelFay63 Před 8 lety

      +Anon Frank Here in New Zealand the police are having random drinking tests. Should be world wide. And not before time since they are all armed with fearfull weapons. Tea and coffee for a pleasant life, not too much pop or you'll get fat.
      Humans are besot with temptation.

    • @ReaperPLUR
      @ReaperPLUR Před 5 lety +1

      @@anonfrank546 fuck do you mean, the skin and veins at injection points get so bad they have to find new ones, among a host of other things

    • @dynamo3059
      @dynamo3059 Před 5 lety +3

      heroin is safer than most drugs? what? did you know you can overdose from heroin in as little as 7 seconds? it is one of the most dangerous drugs out there.

    • @redhedkev1
      @redhedkev1 Před 5 lety +1

      Yeah, until the drunk grabs his car keys, huh?

  • @nikolausgrill7371
    @nikolausgrill7371 Před 3 lety +2

    That's funny: A priest with a picture of Lenin in the background.
    On the other hand, Lenin was the only Russian politician of the 20th century to effectively fight alcoholism...

  • @juanpabloabondanosantos5473

    great work! thanks a lot.

  • @Blackhawks87
    @Blackhawks87 Před 8 lety +38

    12:00 that kids chasing his vodka with a juice box!!! haha hell Yea my kind of dude.

  • @stonecake313
    @stonecake313 Před 4 lety +3

    I’m in shock that the life span of men is 58. That’s insane

  • @louiskirby4266
    @louiskirby4266 Před 7 měsíci

    Thanks team for the info 👍

  • @spacitron4818
    @spacitron4818 Před 7 lety +4

    Wait, the church at 5:43 has a picture of Lenin in the background?

  • @boxingin
    @boxingin Před 9 lety +16

    How about here in the usa? We have a hugggggge drinking and illegal as well as legal drugs problem!

    • @crand20033
      @crand20033 Před 6 lety +4

      I have no problem with any of those substances.

    • @redhedkev1
      @redhedkev1 Před 5 lety +1

      Fentanyl. Produced by the metric ton in China. Just touching it will send you to the Emergency Room, or morgue.That pain killer Rx (OxyContin) ran out after your knee replacement, back surgery? Kinda Jonesing for more? The withdrawals are worse than the post-Op? Hey, no worries...heroin is cheaper and you don't need a doctor's prescription! (It's probably not pure heroin anyway) Thank you American Big Pharma, looking at you Perdue. Scientists are already creating new and wonderful synthetic opioids as we speak. Stuff that may make Fentanyl look tame. Oh boy.

    • @jorchdatorch842
      @jorchdatorch842 Před 4 lety

      Username checks out

    • @willotter4503
      @willotter4503 Před 3 lety

      Comparative to russia it’s not huge.

    • @mercurious5053
      @mercurious5053 Před 3 lety

      The situation were the same or even worse here about a century ago. We have much to thank the sobririty- and workers movement for. Heja systembolaget ❤️🇸🇪

  • @thomasjefferson1457
    @thomasjefferson1457 Před 5 lety +18

    Having visited Russia a few years ago I can confirm this is exactly true. All they seem to do over there is drink and smoke. I'm sure there a few that don't drink and smoke but when I was there I never met one that didn't.

    • @prapordoc5164
      @prapordoc5164 Před 6 měsíci

      где вы были у себя на кухне?не пьют так в России,вы лжёте!

  • @buryitdeep
    @buryitdeep Před 5 lety +11

    Filmed in stunning 240p potato vision.

  • @deltahomicide9300
    @deltahomicide9300 Před 3 lety +1

    It must be an alcoholic's paradise there. You never have to hide being drunk or hungover at work

  • @gunslinger000001
    @gunslinger000001 Před 7 lety +4

    why do they make alcohol at home like that if vodka is so cheap anyway?

    • @anandadaquino3604
      @anandadaquino3604 Před 7 lety +3

      Samagon is used to everything (literally)! To give to the chickens so they don't freeze in winter, to make medicine, and to drink, sure. It's stronger than usual vodka.

    • @MrVlad12340
      @MrVlad12340 Před 4 lety

      gunslinger000001 flavor preferences, additives (like for example madcap extract) and such.

  • @StephenFletcher-vf9im
    @StephenFletcher-vf9im Před 8 měsíci +5

    Vodka used to be my favourite drink for so long. I'm now 63 and gave it up several years ago. I know it took long enough to stop, but I managed it with professional help. I felt so hellish during withdrawal, I knew I had no choice. I was slowly going insane. I drank anything, but mostly Vodka. I feel really sorry for these people because it's almost impossible to stop when the surrounding circumstances don't change. It's a major social issue. Russians think it's " manly " to drink. I know it isn't, only an idiot would think it is.

  • @keithkuckler2551
    @keithkuckler2551 Před 2 lety +2

    I used to find Baltika brewed in St.Petersburg. It came in large bottles, and, in a variety of alchol content. It was terrific beer, and, some of it packed quite a kick.

    • @shihtzu291
      @shihtzu291 Před 2 lety

      Keith - Have you ever heard of a Russian beer called Jaguar it's like a cross between a high energy drink and a extra strong beer all in one! I've never tried it but I have a Serbian friend who lived in Russia but now lives here in the UK. He said that it was great. 🇬🇧✊

    • @ogslime4349
      @ogslime4349 Před 8 měsíci +1

      ​@@shihtzu291 Lol, I can bring u one from russia if u live in London

    • @shihtzu291
      @shihtzu291 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@ogslime4349-Nice one you are my new best friend now! My Serbian friend brought me a bottle of Solovicta (not sure if I've spelt it right) but anyway it's clear Serbian brandy and yeah it messes you up big time! But that Jaguar beer I'd love to try I live in Harlesden North West London. There are a few Russian shops around here and in Bedford in Bedfordshire as well. Cheers or should I say nostrovia! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧👍

    • @ogslime4349
      @ogslime4349 Před 8 měsíci

      @@shihtzu291 Nice! Cheers! 🇬🇧

  • @mitchyoung93
    @mitchyoung93 Před 7 měsíci +2

    Wow, I didn't realize the 'Russia is doomed' genre on youtube was this old.

  • @BroccoliBeefed
    @BroccoliBeefed Před 10 lety +8

    Can someone please explain to me why society thinks it's so normal to consume such toxic elixirs?

  • @billytheboy7253
    @billytheboy7253 Před 9 lety +7

    beer is a soft drink in Russia... wow.

  • @romanchomenko2912
    @romanchomenko2912 Před 3 lety +1

    I thought Kvass was the main low alcoholic drink.

  • @simonkormendy849
    @simonkormendy849 Před 6 měsíci

    The problem with drinking away the pain by drowning it in alcohol is that it's only a temporary band-aid fix, the pain is always going to be there once the effect of the alcohol has worn off, and then it turns into a vicious circle of drinking away the pain, then sobering up only to feel the pain again, rinse and repeat, that in essence is the cycle of addiction.

  • @luciusapuleius7933
    @luciusapuleius7933 Před 5 lety +3

    A nationwide educational campaign on the realities of alcohol abuse (and even moderate alcohol consumption), is the way to go. I'm Russian, but I've been living in Canada most of my life. There is an inherent problem with drinking even here. However, the fact that alcohol importation, exportation, sales, quality control, and distribution, are all controlled by the federal government (including the hours of sale), makes it a better alternative to the Russian one. You're always going to have alcoholics regardless of their ethnicity and country of origin. However, at least in places like Canada, you can be rest assured that the products you purchase aren't counterfeit, which of course isn't even close to the Russian case.
    The trouble with people dying in Russia as a result of alcohol abuse, is the amount of counterfeit alcohol that is sold to the public, because there is absolutely no government control on alcohol. So, no one tests the product to make sure that it doesn't contain methyl alcohol (which can blind you and kill you). No one cares where the product is manufactured, as well. I'm sure that there is corruption in the government, when people who consistently counterfeit product are walking around free and continuing to produce said product, poisoning people, which inevitably results in the death of those people. These producers don't care about anything except profit, and the government doesn't give a shit, because it more than likely gets bribed by the various producers. Until they implement a system that is similar to our Canadian model, the Russian people will continue to suffer the consequences. I would say that abstaining is a better alternative, but it is a better alternative even here in Canada.

  • @Waterflux
    @Waterflux Před 12 lety +10

    I got into hard stuffs in the way I have just described. Back then, I had to walk and use public transportation all the time, so I could not shop for groceries and booze beyond what my backpack could carry. Of course, I got sick and tired of having to carry so many cans or bottles of beer! As for vodka, I used to drink that regularly, but I now prefer sweeter stuffs like Sambuca or Rumple Minze.

  • @teunkruijer
    @teunkruijer Před 5 lety +2

    5:40 Just Lennin chillin' in the background

  • @albertocassinelli1218
    @albertocassinelli1218 Před 4 lety +1

    Abuse of alcohol is very high in Scandinavian countries too.

  • @ushelushel1
    @ushelushel1 Před 3 lety +5

    I'm russian and i can confirm that drinking is part of our culture

    • @Cyphlix
      @Cyphlix Před 3 lety +2

      Same in Australia, sadly

    • @matzmieze464
      @matzmieze464 Před 7 měsíci

      @@Cyphlix in Germany too

  • @sino7282
    @sino7282 Před 3 lety +5

    Today we all know that Russia is fine with alcohol. Ain't no problem.

  • @michaelpost7352
    @michaelpost7352 Před 4 lety +1

    When people are not allowed to take responsibility over electing their government, when they are denied of that aspect of freedom, there is a carry-over over to a self-denial of their freedom to choose whether or not to drink vodka. But, they do have a strange choice now, vodka or beer. An apparent choice, not a real choice. A culture of denial.

  • @sumralltt
    @sumralltt Před 5 lety +2

    Low paying jobs end in drugs and alcohol - Russia and the US have a lot in common now!

  • @mjohanss1975
    @mjohanss1975 Před 9 lety +34

    Vodka the same price as coke...Not that coke is good for you, I never drink it myself...but in my country, the very cheapest vodka is 20 times more expensive than the same amount of coke. I love to drink but I hate drunks...I'm sure I would hate living in Russia.

    • @TheGundegas
      @TheGundegas Před 8 lety

      +Mike Vizioz are you from Finland or Norway?

    • @cnccarving
      @cnccarving Před 8 lety

      +Mike Vizioz that's why they like communism... everything is equal :-)

    • @ThriftyBoss
      @ThriftyBoss Před 8 lety +1

      +Mike Vizioz i feel in love with russia

    • @dadude4960
      @dadude4960 Před 5 lety +1

      life as a factory worker is harsh. let them have their vodka. they die young because of their shitty jobs. why not let them live their short lives happy?

    • @okaymea
      @okaymea Před 5 lety

      I'm South African and vodka is expensive here.

  • @mumbairay
    @mumbairay Před 9 lety +10

    5:35 lol lenin, want he calling church opium

  • @Misserbi
    @Misserbi Před 5 lety +1

    Poison in small doses can help but in large doses has the power to alter perception making you disabled and unable function let alone read what is going on. That is why addiction should be treated like a sickness. Just like a cold. You cannot fight off the cravings or symptoms if you thought you were enjoying yourself the whole time. Imagine falling under and asking the tire to run you over? You are supposed to learn and not give up on society. That is what life is for. To make it a better place than it was before you were a part of it.

  • @carloscooper4284
    @carloscooper4284 Před 5 lety

    Jim Nesta, you are so right!

  • @chapiit08
    @chapiit08 Před 9 lety +18

    Russia could easily end the onslaught of alcoholism in the world by drinking the other half of the world supply of alcoholic beverages.

    • @rdallas81
      @rdallas81 Před 8 lety

      +chapiit08 I dont believe that! they are sying 140 million people "outdrink" 7.2 BILLION? yeah ok.....propaganda if I ever heard it!

    • @chapiit08
      @chapiit08 Před 8 lety +1

      Roy Hemion It was a joke... But they DO drink a lot!

    • @luciencraw3533
      @luciencraw3533 Před 5 lety

      Roy Hemion in all fairness alcohol is illegal in quite a few countries.

    • @thrasher2094
      @thrasher2094 Před 5 lety

      @@rdallas81 Considering at least 2 billion dont have access to alcohol, it isnt impossible. Tolerances to drugs grow like crazy

    • @Slavicplayer251
      @Slavicplayer251 Před 3 lety

      true

  • @sicwidit21
    @sicwidit21 Před 5 lety +6

    I went to Russia once...its cold and grey and everyones is walking around with ak 47s and soup

    • @proudtitanicdenier4300
      @proudtitanicdenier4300 Před 5 lety

      Funny joke

    • @boldbhoy67
      @boldbhoy67 Před 4 lety

      I went to Russia once wearing a thick sweater and a leather jacket. It was an average of 86 fareinheit each day, my feckin head nearly exploded! It was late April by the way.

    • @cucumber623
      @cucumber623 Před 4 lety

      im off to russia

  • @vkovaliova84
    @vkovaliova84 Před 5 lety +1

    What are they talking about? I always watch beer commercials very appealing to young people here in America!

  • @xmike925x
    @xmike925x Před 3 lety +2

    First I watch documentaries then I drink vodka

  • @MarK-ro3vl
    @MarK-ro3vl Před 3 lety +4

    South Korea: Hold my soju

  • @treasuretrails
    @treasuretrails Před 3 lety +4

    Drinking beer to this in October 2020!!!

  • @ElenaKomleva
    @ElenaKomleva Před 3 lety +1

    I wonder what year this movie was filmed... They talk about perestroika so was the movie filmed still in the Yeltsin times 20 years ago or in Putin times?

  • @algrayson8965
    @algrayson8965 Před 5 lety +1

    Russian military aircraft used ethanol (basically vodka) for deicing. Pilots would report entering icing conditions and request permission to deice. They would return to base and there have the unused ethanol drained. The officers would sell the PGA (pure grain alcohol) on the black market, that is, of course, what they and the airbase personnel couldn't drink.