COVID-19 Pandemic and Addiction

Abstract

Objective: The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that began in early 2020 has caused widespread stress and psychological distress. The lockdown and social distancing aggravated the state of loneliness and psychological distress. The purpose of this study was to ex mine the changes in the various addictive behavior reported since the outbreak of the pandemic. Methods: Authors reviewed studies and reports published between March 2020 and January 2022 that examined changes in addictive behavior. Results: The restriction of pleasure-seeking activities due to social distancing has increased the use of addictive substances and digital media. Globally, many studies have examined the increase in addictive behavior and disorders related to COVID-19. Although mainly cross-sectional, studies have consistently reported that alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder, substance abuse, and the use of digital media such as the Internet, Internet games, online gambling, pornography, and social media have increased. Such increase in addictive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic is related to a combination of biopsychosocial factors. These include the need for intrinsic reward due to isolation and loneliness, the increase in psychological vulnerability that triggers depression, anxiety, and addiction, and the lack of environmental resources that provide alternative ways to satisfy pleasure-seeking desires. Conclusion : This review calls for an integrative strategy that includes education, campaign, and therapeutic intervention at the individual level, and efforts to change our environment and emphasize social responsibility of the related industry at the institutional level.