The number of female alcoholics in Estonia has been rapidly increasing, according to Evi Nurk, the psychiatrist of a state-run hospital treating alcoholics in Ahtme, although there are no exact statistics available. With a population of 1.5 million people, Estonia, which gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, is considered the region's most successful market reformer. But the transition toward capitalism and democracy has been bumpy and has taken an immense social and financial toll. Alcoholism is just one of the most grievous symptoms. These women, living on small pensions, are now often isolated from their children who now live in other parts of the former Soviet Union that became foreign countries since the fall of Communism.
Visits require visas, which are costly and time-consuming to obtain.
Added to the babushka 's burden is that they are denied Estonian citizenship, even though they have lived there for many years. They are required to apply for residential and work permits. In their loneliness and confusion, these older women are finding solace in a glass of wine first, and a glass of vodka second. Given their age and health, they don't need much more to become alcoholics, said Nurk. On the other generational spectrum, high school students are used to drinking champagne in school on big occasions along with their mostly female teachers.