COVID-19 and its repercussion on addictions

Abstract

Objective. Inquire about the emerging scientific literature at the international level about the repercussion of the COVID-19 pandemic on addictions. Methodology. The Web of Science database was used to analyze the scientific literature on the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence in the field of addictions. Results. 320 documents were identified, of which 38 met the inclusion criteria. Three problems stood out: the consumption of tobacco, opioids and alcohol. According to the incipient literature, among opioid users there is a risk of increased overdoses, as well as a worsening of the stress-alcohol binomial and a worse prognosis of COVID-19 disease for tobacco smokers, the latter with some controversy. The concern about the decrease in health services focused on addictions and mental health stands out. Conclusions. The literature is very emergent and more scientific evidence is needed to shed light. The concern about alcohol, opioids and tobacco is evident, but the absence of studies on addictions without substance (new technologies, online gambling) or hypnotics and benzodiazepines is confirmed.