%A Bonsaksen,Tore %A Ekeberg,Øivind %A Schou-Bredal,Inger %A Skogstad,Laila %A Heir,Trond %A Grimholt,Tine K. %D 2021 %J Frontiers in Public Health %C %F %G English %K alcohol,COVID - 19,pandemic,Population survey,substance use %Q %R 10.3389/fpubh.2021.667729 %W %L %M %P %7 %8 2021-June-14 %9 Original Research %# %! Alcohol and addicitive drugs %* %< %T Use of Alcohol and Addictive Drugs During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Norway: Associations With Mental Health and Pandemic-Related Problems %U https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.667729 %V 9 %0 JOURNAL ARTICLE %@ 2296-2565 %X Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a major impact on people's daily life. This study aimed to examine use of alcohol and addictive drugs during the COVID-19 outbreak in Norway and examine their association with mental health problems and problems related to the pandemic.Methods: A sample of 4,527 persons responded to the survey. Use of alcohol and addictive drugs were cross-tabulated with sociodemographic variables, mental health problems, and problems related to COVID-19. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the strength of the associations.Results: Daily use of alcohol was associated with depression and expecting financial loss in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak. Use of cannabis was associated with expecting financial loss in relation to COVID-19. Use of sedatives was associated with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Use of painkillers was associated with insomnia and self-reported risk of complications if contracting the coronavirus.Conclusion: The occurrence of mental health problems is more important for an understanding of the use of alcohol and addictive drugs during the COVID-19 outbreak in Norway, compared to specific pandemic-related worries.