Addictions could rise during confinement, say experts
Boredom and isolation in confinement could fuel alcohol, tobacco and Internet addictions, experts warn.
Keystone
Experts warn that boredom and isolation during coronavirus confinement could fuel addictions to things like alcohol, tobacco and the Internet, says a newspaper.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/jc
“We are expecting a rise in the number of addicts,” Markus Meury of Addiction SuisseExternal link told the SonntagsBlick. Other addiction counselling centres agree, saying the pandemic represents this additional risk for people who are alone and addicted, writes the paper.
“When there is no social control, consumption is more easily considered as a way to solve one’s problems,” says Meury.
Sales of alcohol, tobacco and legal cannabis have risen since the beginning of the crisis, writes the SonntagsBlick. This is according to a survey carried out by the paper among producers and vendors. It points out, however, that it is difficult to know if increased volumes are being consumed or if they are just being hoarded, as seen with toilet paper.
Even more than these substances, experts are worried about increased addictions to the Internet during coronavirus confinement, such as online gambling, videos, pornography and shopping, writes the paper.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Is artificial intelligence an advantage or a disadvantage for workers?
What is your experience with AI at work? Have you already used it? Has it helped you work better? Or has it caused you more stress, more work or caused you to lose your job? Tell us about your experiences!
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
Precious archaeological vases and coins returned to Italian museum
This content was published on
The Italian authorities have recovered over 2,500 precious ancient coins, vases and small sculptures that had been illegally dug up and sold in Switzerland, Eurojust announced on Monday.
This content was published on
An awareness campaign has been launched to help addicted online gamblers in Switzerland cope with their compulsive behaviour.
Experts warn of ‘confusing’ range of addictive products
This content was published on
The Addiction Switzerland foundation has called for clear rules for the licensing of potentially addictive consumer products on the Swiss market.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.