In 2025, Russia saw a significant deterioration in public health metrics. This particularly concerns the increase in alcoholism, alcoholic psychosis, and psychiatric disorders, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (FIS). The data points to the worst indicators in recent years and a new peak since the mid-2010s.
After a decline during 2011–2020 and a brief fluctuation during the COVID-19 pandemic, statistics began rising sharply again following the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. In 2025, the rate of newly diagnosed alcoholism and alcoholic psychosis reached 56.9 cases per 100,000 population, the highest level since 2016 and a 30% year-on-year increase.
Regions where indicators are sharply worsening: geography of decline
The deterioration is recorded across 69 regions of Russia, including both industrial and remote areas. In several regions, growth rates are exponential:
- Omsk Oblast — 5× increase
- Astrakhan Oblast — 4× increase
- Perm Krai — 3.5× increase (up to 288 cases per 100,000)
The Chukotka Autonomous Okrug remains the most affected region, with 391.4 cases per 100,000, the highest level in a decade. The region also ranks among the worst in mortality linked to alcohol, drugs, and suicide.
Economic pressure and consumption shift: Russians move to cheaper alcohol
Against the backdrop of inflation and declining purchasing power, Russians are increasingly shifting toward cheaper alcohol, primarily vodka. Vodka sales increased by 4.95% in March, while premium beverages such as whiskey, brandy, and cognac are declining due to rising prices.
At the same time, households are cutting spending on food, medicine, and clothing. According to surveys, around 82% of Russians expect prices for essential goods and utilities to rise faster than incomes.
Mental health under strain: record diagnoses and rising addiction
In 2025, Russia also recorded a record level of mental health disorders, with 328 new cases per 100,000 population, the highest in 14 years. The sharpest increases are observed in large urban and industrial regions, including Moscow, which for the first time entered the top 15 regions by incidence rate.
Demand for antidepressants has nearly doubled, rising from 13.8 million packages in 2022 to 23.6 million in 2025.
There is also a growing prevalence of psychoactive substance dependence, with increases ranging from two- to five-fold in some regions. Official statistics report over 400,000 registered cases, though experts suggest the real number is significantly higher.
