Just to add one point to the discussion, but could this be because of the cold in Russia, Sweden, etc? Of course we have maaaaaany problems with alcoholism in Brazil and South America, but I think (I'm not sure) that it's not such a huge problem like here in Russia and nothern countries. We don't hear the same about Italy (warmer country also), for example.
Do you guys think there's a connection with the cold? Or only with the mentality of the people?