Subscribe to our social channels to get the latest news about Hungary!
American study finds increased use of alcohol, marijuana during COVID-19 outbreak
Change language:
More than one in four adults or 28 percent said they have used alcohol or drugs to cope with stress under orders to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a University of Michigan (UM) study posted on the university’s website on Wednesday.
The study tracked behaviors a week after the World Health Organization announced the pandemic in mid-March. The sample included responses from 562 adults, both parents and nonparents.
Nearly all respondents were engaging in social distancing, but fewer were in lockdown or social isolation. When asked about worries associated with COVID-19, 47 percent indicated they worry they can’t afford to pay bills and 53 percent worry that money will run out.
About 22 percent said they are using alcohol more, and 1 in 7 said they used marijuana more since the pandemic began.
Symptoms of depression were high: 2 out of 3 reported feeling tired or having little energy, trouble sleeping and feeling hopeless. About 32 percent of respondents had symptoms that would indicate major depression.