COVID-19 and the impact on gambling, sex, and pornography use and addictions

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 has had a far-reaching impact on people around the world, and the consequences of the pandemic along with the subsequent lockdown orders have had a significant effect upon mental health and well-being. This pandemic time has been particularly challenging for those with preexisting addictions and those at moderate or high risk of developing addictions. This current chapter focuses on the impact that COVID-19 has had on the ways in which people engage with gambling, sex, and pornography, with a particular focus on how those with behavioral addictions may have been impacted. Although the research into the impacts of the pandemic on these behaviors and addictions is limited, preliminary literature suggests that significant changes in addictive behaviors have been noted around the world. © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.