The anti-alcohol campaign in the USSR in 1985-1988: the unlearned Stalinist lessons

the anti-alcohol campaign in the USSR, which was held in 1985-1988 under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, became the most ambitious initiative focused on the fight against alcoholism in the history of the USSR. The purpose of the campaign was to reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, to improve public health and to increase the productivity. However, after those early successes, such as the reduction in production and consumption of alcohol, the campaign faced a number of problems. A significant aspect is the comparison with the previous anti-alcohol measures, which were taken during the Stalinist era and did not lead to long-term results. The article discusses the reasons of inefficiency of the campaign, which are inadequate preparation and implementation of the actions, the absence of a holistic approach as well as the neglect of social and economic factors, that contribute to alcoholism. The analysis shows that the methods of the Stalinist era, including repressions and limited freedom of choice, were not taken into account in the new policy. As a result, the anti-alcohol campaign ended in failure which in turn led to the increase of illegal alcohol production and its consumption. The study highlights the importance of a historical context accounting and a holistic approach solving social problems in order to achieve sustainable results in public policy.

the anti-alcohol campaign, drinking problem in the USSR, rethinking, store closures, M.S. Gorbachev