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Frankfurt / Main (dpa / lhe) - Alcohol, illegal drugs, stimulants, online games - according to experts, the corona crisis will lead to more addictions.
"Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have noticed an increase in requests for addiction advice," said the managing director of the Hessian State Office for Addiction Issues (HLS), Susanne Schmitt, of the German press agency.
The advice centers in Hesse are increasingly offering advice by phone or video due to the pandemic.
Initial studies showed that alcohol consumption increased during the lockdown in March 2020, not only in Hesse, but nationwide.
"It can be assumed that, due to the duration of the pandemic, people will continue to drink more," said Schmitt.
The same applies to the consumption of illegal drugs such as cannabis or cocaine and drug abuse.
Media use, for example computer games, has also increased significantly.
“A lack of daily structure, the lack of leisure activities, worries and fears about the job induce consumption and increase the risk of developing addiction.
People try to overcome these challenges in different ways, ”said Schmitt.
Problematic or excessive online gaming is one of them - a problem that can also affect children and young people.
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A survey by Forsa from October showed that around a quarter of people with already problematic alcohol consumption have been drinking more since Corona.
Another study revealed an increase in alcohol consumption in a third of around 3,000 adults surveyed since the crisis.
Special attention must be paid to people who had developed addictive behavior before Corona and were dependent, said Schmitt.
The risk of relapse for people who had managed to get out before the pandemic is also increased.
Because self-help groups would have had to stop their usual work because of the pandemic.
They would usually offer permanent and continuous support.
Depending on the situation of the pandemic, only individual contacts are possible, for example when going for a walk as a “walk and talk”.
Reliable figures on the increase in addiction counseling and addiction diseases in the pandemic are currently not available for Hessen.
An addiction often develops slowly and sometimes only shows up after years, said Schmitt.
Currently, many people are at home where consumption is less visible.
"Whether someone drinks beer in the home office or plays online games while at work, at least the employer does not notice."
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Declining performance at work, neglect of the social environment or strong mood swings could indicate an addiction disease.
In that case you should contact one of the advice centers.
The advice is anonymous and free of charge.
"If relatives or friends suspect an addiction, speak to the person best and signal willingness to help," advised Schmitt.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210313-99-804324 / 2
Addresses of addiction counseling centers