Fear of COVID-19 During the Pandemic: Alcohol Craving Behavior and Compulsive Online Buying in Individuals with Potential Alcohol Use Disorder

Objective: This study aimed to examine the determinants of alcohol craving behavior and compulsive online shopping behavior among individuals with alcohol use disorder during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study collected data via an online survey created through Google Forms. Participants were invited through social media platforms. A total of 350 participants completed the survey; however, data from 22 participants were excluded due to missing critical variables, resulting in a final sample size of 328 participants. Data collection tools included the Sociodemographic Data Form, COVID-19 Phobia scale, Satisfaction with Life scale, Compulsive Online Shopping scale, CAGE test, and PACS. Results: The findings revealed that psychosomatic symptoms of coronavirus phobia significantly predicted alcohol craving behavior. Additionally, compulsive online shopping behavior was significantly associated with the mood regulation sub-dimension. Women and younger individuals were found to be more prone to compulsive shopping behavior. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of supporting individuals with alcohol use disorder during the pandemic and improving their mood regulation strategies. Targeted interventions can help reduce maladaptive coping strategies. Further large-scale studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of the pandemic on addiction behaviors.