Communism will drive you to drink

SCIENTISTS say they have proved that communism leads to heavier drinking.

Researchers from Kent University analysed alcohol intake for citizens in noncommunist Cyprus, Greece and Malta compared with former communist regimes in eastern Europe.

Those who lived under communism were far more likely to turn to alcohol than those in the West, with the correlation stronger among women.

Men were 0.5 per cent more likely to binge drink weekly or monthly in ex-communist countries.

Researcher Dr Gintare Malisauskaite said: “Living under communism has had a long-term impact on alcohol consumption.”