Alcohol consumption patterns in modern Russia: an analysis of regional differences
Alcohol consumption patterns in modern Russia: an analysis of regional differences

Summary/Abstract: In the last 20 years, there has been a change in drinking habits inRussia, characterized by a decrease in the amount and potency of alcohol beingconsumed. This article aims to identify regional distinctive features in alcoholconsumption patterns in Russia. The study uses panel data from RLMS-HSEannual surveys based on a representative sample of the population for 2014, 2018,and 2022, and Russian official statistics on alcohol purchases and consumption.The research results confirm that the northern style of alcohol consumptionpersists in the Ural, Siberia, and the Far East regions of Russia. A shift towardsa mixed drinking pattern is apparent in most of the country, particularly noticeable in Moscow, Central Russia, and the Northwestern federal district. Southernwine-producing regions do not demonstrate a transition to the “southern”wine-oriented model of alcohol consumption, exhibiting relatively low levels ofalcohol consumption per capita. Overall, beer remains the dominant and mostpopular alcoholic beverage in all regions of Russia. This study contributes tounderstanding regional differences, as well as economic and institutional factorsthat influence alcohol consumption. The territorial characteristics of alcoholintake highlighted in the article help outline potential strategies for regulatingalcohol policy in Russia.

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