Russians increasingly abstaining from alcohol – poll

The culture of alcohol consumption in the country has shifted significantly, a survey has found

The percentage of Russians who don’t drink alcohol has nearly doubled over the past two decades, according to a poll published by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) on Monday. 

Over 1,600 adults were surveyed over the phone last month, revealing that “more and more [Russians] demonstrate a commitment to a sober lifestyle.” The amount of people who abstain from drinking has risen to 48%, up from 27% recorded in 2004.

”A marked shift has occurred in the culture of alcohol consumption in Russia,” VCIOM said. Generational changes, active anti-alcohol policies, and changes in what is perceived as fashionable were given as factors behind the shift.

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Russians now also prefer lighter alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine instead of spirits such as vodka, VCIOM reported. Twenty years ago, 33% of respondents said they prefer vodka, but now only 11% say they do.

The main reason for drinking has remained unchanged, with 38% of Russians in 2024 and 2004 turning to alcohol to relieve stress.

According to VCIOM, drinking alcohol is now no longer widely perceived as part of Russian culture, with only 7% of respondents considering it a national tradition, as opposed to 20% in 2004.

In December, the Russian government introduced a new roadmap to reducing alcohol consumption by 12.3% per capita by 2030. The Health Ministry noted that under the previous 2009-2020 plan, alcohol consumption fell by nearly 49%.

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The government has sought to reduce morbidity, disability, and mortality caused by alcohol consumption by promoting a healthy lifestyle and developing alcohol abuse prevention systems.