According to Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president, the average Russian drinks 18 liters (equivalent to 38 pints) of vodka every year. Vodka is Russia's favorite drink and has a strong Russian history. Although vodka has been a major problem for the economy due to the abuse of the substance, there are many positive outcomes from its production in terms of jobs and tax revenue. The Russian government has grown tired of applying multiple different ways to curb citizens' consumption of vodka, but they don't last. Russia has a large distribution of vodka throughout the world and the income keeps many Russians employed. For Russia, vodka is an occupation, a pleasure, a devil and a way of life. Vodka was introduced to Russia in the late 14th century and was known as the water of life. In 1386, an ambassador presented the first vodka to Grand Duke Dmitri Donskoy. Vodka was obtained from the purification of grape must and was thought of as a concentrate and “spirit” of wine. This was the origin of other countries' understanding of vodka as a spirit. The first vodka recipe ever made was by a Russian monk named Isidore in Moscow. He associated the drink with “bread wine” unless it was a strong batch; in this case it would be called “burning wine”. The word vodka was already used at the time for herbal tinctures (alcoholic extract of a plant or animal). The word was used, but was not officially written. The liquid was officially called vodka after Empress Elizabeth used it in writing to regulate vodka distilleries on June 8, 1751 (Wikipedia). With the creation of vodka, the national fight against alcoholism was established. Alcohol has caused the destruction of families,...... middle of paper......ve their vodka not only for taste and affection, but also to provide many of them with a way to have an income and put food on the table for their families. Vodka consumption in Russia is among the highest in the world. Along with consumption, Russia can be considered among the highest in the world for the production and sale of vodka. Alcoholism in Russia has become a big problem that needs to be addressed. Political leaders in Russia are devising ways to limit the amount of alcohol consumed by citizens. The exceptional demand for vodka in Russia has significantly helped the economy prosper thanks to family-friendly business, a strong market and state tax revenues. Decreasing alcohol consumption will reduce the efficiency of the vodka market. The Russian government is more concerned with the well-being of its citizens or an efficient market?.