Social Vulnerability of Alcoholics and Patients with Alcohol-Related Dementia: A View from Russia

Abstract

During the year 2000, excessive alcohol consumption and heavy binge drinking appear to decrease in Russia, at least in large cities. One of the reasons is obviously the more responsible way of life under the conditions of the market economy (Jargin, 2010). There has also been another mechanism that is scaring some people away from excessive drinking: crime committed against persons suffering from alcoholism and alcohol-related disorders, such as dementia, taking advantage of their social vulnerability. The aim of such acts has often been the expropriation of apartments, houses or other property. This theme is sometimes discussed by Russian mass media and is known by some citizens from their own experience. As a result, some alcoholics have become homeless. Offences aimed at appropriation of apartments also happened earlier during the Soviet time. Having no statistical data, one can only report singular cases, which appear to be more or less typical. A case history is presented below, which happened in 1975, where the author participated. All facts are true except for the proper names. It is understandable that a 19-year-old boy would like to have his own apartment, and that a woman, divorcing her alcoholic husband, would like to secure an apartment for her son. …