Substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece

Background and Objectives: The recent outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic can be stressful for many people, who could resolve to addictive substances or other addictive behaviors as coping strategies. The purpose of this study was to detect changes in alcohol, tobacco, cannabis use and gambling in the general population, during the covid-19 lockdown in Greece. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted online, using the AUDIT-C questionnaire for alcohol use, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and qualitative questions about alcohol, tobacco, cannabis use and gambling. Results were analyzed using the SPSS v.26 software. Results: Of N = 1365 responders, 300 abstained completely. During lockdown: 43.7% of alcohol users reported drinking less or abstain, followed by a lower mean score in AUDIT-C (p < 0.001), 1/3 of tobacco smokers reported that they smoked more, confirmed by a difference in Fagerstrom Test scores (p < 0.001). 67.4% of cannabis users reported abstinence and 71.4% of gamblers answered that they played less or not at all (females > males, p = 0.031). Changes were mostly attributed to factors linked to the lockdown. Discussion and Conclusions: Alcohol, cannabis users and gamblers seemed to quit their habits during lockdown. Tobacco smoking seemed to become heavier, despite reports that smokers are more vulnerable to heavier respiratory symptoms after covid-19 infection. Present situation played a more important role, than fears about health. A significant percentage used alcohol or tobacco to cope with anxiety or depression.