Mortality rose very dramatically in the former Soviet republics following the collapse of the Soviet Union, with male life expectancy falling by ten years, the biggest peace time fall in life expectancy on record. This book presents the results of extensive research into the full extent of this catastrophe and the reasons for it. It explores in particular declining economic conditions and their impact, showing how smoking, binge drinking, inadequate, unhealthy diet, stress, homicides and suicides all increased in this period. It covers a wide range of former Soviet republics, including Central Asia, Belarus and Ukraine as well as Russia, and demonstrates forcibly the connection between money, health lifestyles, health, and happiness and well-being.