Australians appear to be drinking, smoking and gambling more as ways to cope with social isolation during the COVID-19 crisis, psychologists report.

Anecdotally, the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) says members have seen increased numbers of patients turning to cigarettes, online gambling, cannabis use and prescription drug abuse in the past month.

In addition, a national poll shows that 70% of Australians say they are drinking more than normal and one third report daily alcohol use.

One in five Australians are buying more alcohol than usual shows the survey commissioned by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education that polled 1045 people between 3-5 April.