The doctor commented on the possible introduction of a ban on the sale of alcohol until 21 years of age

The proposal to introduce a legislative ban on the sale of alcohol to young people under 21 is actively discussed in society. Nevertheless, instead of prohibition it would be possible to carry out more effective and efficient ways of solving the problem of alcoholism, Vladimir Skavysh, a doctor-psychiatrist and child psychiatrist of JSC "Medicine", candidate of medical sciences, told "Gazeta.Ru ".

"This is not the first experience: in the 1980s there was a large-scale campaign to combat drunkenness. Then, in addition to banning the sale of alcohol, other measures were taken, such as cutting down vineyards and the creation of a new specialty - psychiatrist-narcologist. But the result was not as expected: despite the prohibitions, people began to use braga, moonshine or even cologne. Did they defeat drunkenness? No. People started to look for other ways," the expert reminded.

According to the doctor, cultural and educational activities could be a more effective way to fight alcoholism. Work with families can also help, since the attitude to alcoholic beverages a child largely adopts from his parents.

"One positive aspect is the fact that according to research data, the proportion of young people aged 14 to 22 years old in Russia who drink has decreased significantly in recent years. The reasons for this lie in the change in the outlook of young people, the inclination to a healthy lifestyle and the popularity of sports. It is important to note that trends in alcohol consumption have also changed," the expert said.

He drew attention to the fact that now young people mainly drink beer or low-alcohol drinks, such as cocktails. They also emphasize socializing and creating strong social ties rather than just drinking alcohol.

As in Russia, in other countries members of the younger half-generation show similar trends, distancing themselves from drinking strong hot drinks alone.

"Prohibitions are unnecessary for a cultured person, they already have internal prohibitions based on upbringing. At the same time, for people with alcohol addiction, it is necessary to create rehabilitation systems similar to the Soviet LTP (treatment and labor preventoriums) to combat alcoholism and drug addiction," the doctor said.

As a result, the specialist noted that instead of banning, he would advise raising the level of education and upbringing of young people, as well as making cultural facilities more accessible.

"Only this approach can help to reduce alcoholism among young people and contribute to a healthier society," - summarized the doctor Vladimir Skavysh.

On February 21, a psychologist explained the impact of co-dependency on a partner's alcoholism. If a person has no purpose and meaning in his life, there is an inner emptiness, depression and dissatisfaction with himself. To dull this pain and fill the resulting emptiness, a person begins to "pour" alcohol to unconsciously escape from reality, to get some pleasure. A month earlier, Marat Sarayev, a narcologist, dispelled one of the myths about fighting hangovers. The specialist noted that to minimize the hangover, it is not necessary to drink a lot of water, cranberry morsels or rose hips.