When you look at culture, you can't help but wonder about aspects that are unfamiliar to you. Rates of substance abuse are on the rise and this is included when looking at the culture, background, history and modern influences of Russian-American citizens. Life focuses not only on oneself, but on family, friends and the community of a particular area. Russian-American citizens are part of American society and will always have a history anchored by the Russian way of life. There are many stereotypes in American society that give insight into the portrayal of Russians. From past Olympics we see that Russians excel in sports and are powerful individuals. We also see the power and intelligence that comes from this country. Russia is a different country than most are used to and has made its own history. Russia played an important role in World War II and gave birth to many scientific minds and creations. The first (unmanned) mission into space was conducted by Russia (Soviet Union). Their government is similar to democracy, but includes a president, a prime minister, a judiciary and an Assembly of the Russian Federation (State Duma and Federation Council). Power is divided between the Prime Minister (Dmitry Medvedev) and the President (Vladimir Putin); however, the president has decision-making power (Darlington, 2014). Unlike many immigrants, Russians did not necessarily immigrate to the United States from abroad. Due to overpopulation, political unrest, and famine, many Russian citizens could not endure this lifestyle for long, forcing them to leave their homes in search of a new beginning. This is where the Russians found a large amount of land and claimed it as their own: Alaska (Library of Congress). Once…halfway through the paper…-American descendants are confronted with problematic instances that lead them to substance use will provide enough evidence to show the plight of substance abuse, not to mention the mechanisms of coping. With therapeutic tools, support and trust, these individuals can find assistance in this problem area. References Library of Congress., (2014, March 7). Immigration: Russian/Polish. Retrieved from http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/immigration/alt/polish.html.Mackay, D., (2014). Deaths from vodka abuse among Russian men are on the rise due to drunken brawls and alcohol poisoning. Retrieved from http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/vodka-binge-drinking-deaths-russian-men-3097908Straussner, SLA, (2001). Ethnocultural factors in substance abuse treatment. (254 and 261). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.