Using substances such as alcohol will not help with managing the stress of self isolation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
A doctor from the United Nations body said rather than helping people cope, it could worsen stress levels.
Dr Aiysha Malik from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse was speaking at a WHO press conference today.
"High stress is, and can be, a contributing factor to using substances as a means of coping with difficult emotions," she said.
"During the isolation that we are seeing across societies it is particularly concerning when we think about the association between, say, alcohol and interpersonal violence.
"Our message is quite clear, substance use and other addictions such as gambling and gaming can be harmful to physical and mental health and for those people without addictions using substances will not help to manage the stress of self isolation and can make things worse."
Dr Malik said previous research had shown that during times of crisis in health and social support "people with substance use disorders or addiction face a higer risk of relapse and negative outcomes" and said it was important they still had access to services which offer support, adding that "this might require innovative approaches in how people can contine to access any necessary medication and any necessary care".
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