Alcohol and alcohol policy in eastern European transitions

Abstract

Recent transitions in eastern Europe were followed by, or associated with, an outburst of social problems, including those related to alcohol consumption. In alcohol-prevention policies, private interests tended to dominate considerations of public health and social order. Introduction of free-market principles led to a growing supply of alcohol, including illicit channels and the sudden liberalization of alcohol control. In the early 1990s consumption increased remarkably and affected alcohol-specific mortality and morbidity. The dramatic increase in male mortality observed in some countries of central and eastern Europe, may be attributed to alcohol. Interestingly, despite the increase in the number of motor vehicles, the number of drink-driving accidents has not increased proportionately, which is consistent with the relatively restrictive policies in this area. Recently, in the relatively more affluent eastern European countries, efforts have been made to develop harm reduction strategies and put them into practice.