#6
CNN
January 21, 2002
AA battling alcoholism in Russia
By CNN's John Kluver

MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) --It is, and always has been, Russia's biggest problem and most devastating disease -- alcoholism.

Studies indicate that at least 30 percent of men and 15 percent of women are addicted to alcohol. Alcohol's toll on Russia -- the damage it does -- is hard to comprehend.

World War II, for example, took the lives of 30 million people. Since the war, alcohol has killed almost as many -- 27 million according to government statistics.

Alcohol abuse contributes to murders, suicides, accidents, domestic violence and even infertility.

It's also a drag on a struggling economy, with inefficent workers and absenteeism costing businesses millions.

The Bolsheviks, led by the abstinent Lenin, vowed to wipe out drinking. Distilleries were destroyed and alcohol sales were banned. But such measures failed.

Further Soviet attempts using the same primitive methods also failed.

Today more modern methods, like Alcoholics Anonymous, are gaining strength. AA was founded in the United States in 1935 but was only organized in Russia in 1986.

"Only after Perestroika it was possible to start AA because before that, oh, an American program, something, this is maybe CIA or something like that," says "Kon," a recovering alcoholic who asked that his name not be used.

AA's growth in Russia has been steady but slow. There are now 300 groups in more than 100 towns. But that's still a pittance compared to the extent of the disease.

"The problem is how to carry the message," says Kon. "Many people would like to solve their problem, but they just don't know how."

AA's 11th tradition states the group should attract, not promote. Funds are kept low on purpose. Growth, and getting the word out, takes time.

Another AA tradition is faith in a higher power -- God, for most. All alone, AA teaches, alcoholism can't be beat.

The USSR, at least officially, was atheist. But that's not a problem, says Kon.

"The 12-step program is so arranged, so built up, that the doors are open to anybody, whether you are atheist, Muslim, Hindu or anything else."

One day at a time in Russia, alcoholics are discovering hope.