[Addicted During Pandemic? - COVID-19 and Addictive Disorders]./ Suchtkrank in der Pandemie? ­ COVID-19 und Abhängigkeitserkrankungen

Erbas, Beate; Strauch, Hannah

AIM: To describe changes in consumer behavior, particularly in Germany, and the population groups affected due to in-creased substance use or are at greater risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 and are also in danger of suffering from a more severe course of disease. METHODS: The literature search used databases from PubMed and PubPsych, along with expert opinions. RESULTS: A slight increase in daily use of alcohol and tobacco was seen, whereas the consumption of illegal drugs decreased in European countries. There was a drop in consumption among occasional users whereas among intensive users, there was an increase in consumption. Adults and children spent more time on media and internet activities during the pandemic. Anxiety, depression and stress could be the reason for the increased behavorial changes. People already suffering from an addiction were not only psychologically burdened but were also at higher risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection or a severe progression of the disease. CONCLUSION: These results suggest possible societal trends which should be validated by larger representative surveys in the near future. Protecting risk groups and utilizing pandemic-adapted prevention measures are necessary.