[angelkisses0102]

I saw this on another forum...I think speaks volumes regarding alcohol usage in Russia and the potential that our kids were exposed.

Alcohol Blamed in Half of Russian 1990s Deaths

Alcohol consumption is always connected with poverty," he said. "It's been associated with social crisis. If we take our mortality statistics, it will be obvious that it's parallel to our social crisis, to our social instability."

Russia and some of its Eastern European neighbors still have the world's highest levels of alcohol consumption, according to another study also published in the Lancet on Friday as part of series on alcohol and global health.

Part of the problem may be the important cultural role vodka and alcohol play in Russian society. Moderate drinking is considered healthy by many Russians, and few major events are celebrated without raising a 100-gram glass or two — or three — of vodka.

"If the soul needs it — we drink, if the soul doesn't need it — we don't drink," said Alexei Kitayev, a St. Petersburg cab driver. "Do I drink often? Beer after work to relax, vodka and beer at the weekends with my family at dinner — it's good for me and the soul is happy."

But there is relatively little recognition here that excessive drinking of alcohol in any form, including beer and wine, can lead to serious health problems.