Many people in Sweden have gambling-related problems and are at risk of developing problem gambling. Online casinos comprise one of the most addictive forms of gambling as well as the most common form among people seeking treatment for problem gambling. Sports betting is also common, and physical slot machines are still a form of gambling with a high risk of addiction. Problem gambling is a disease comparable to alcohol or drug dependency.
About 1.5 percent of adults in Sweden suffer from problem gambling, also known as gambling addiction. If you have a gambling problem, your gambling is out of control and has adverse effects on your life. It can harm your health and your social life and lead to financial problems. Problem gambling is a diagnosis and the most serious gambling-related problem.
Problem gambling – or gambling disorder – is a mental illness comparable to alcohol and drug dependency. If you suffer from problem gambling, your brain’s reward system is affected just the same as with other dependencies and addictions. If you’ve been diagnosed with problem gambling, then you’ve tried to reduce or stop your gambling without success. Often, your gambling isn’t just about trying to achieve something positive. Instead, you’re trying to win back money that’s been lost, to try to restore your finances.
Other symptoms of problem gambling include gambling increasingly larger amounts, lying to your family about your gambling and your finances, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness and irritability, when you’re unable to gamble.
Problem gambling has far-reaching consequences for you and those around you. It can have such an impact on your life that you can no longer cope with your work or studies. Loved ones often get pulled into any financial problems, which damages many relationships. People with problem gambling may commit crimes to secure their financial situation or to fund their continued gambling.
Many people suffering from problem gambling also have other mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression or drinking problems. This can easily lead to a downward spiral that escalates the gambling problem. It’s also common to have thoughts about not wanting to live. Here, it’s important to know that problem gambling is treatable and that help is available. Many people feel much better after receiving treatment for their addiction.
Since 2018, people with gambling problems have the same rights to help and support as people with alcohol and drug problems. This also means that society has a responsibility to help prevent gambling problems. If you’re suffering from problem gambling or gambling-related problems, you can seek treatment from your municipality (social services) or from healthcare services, either at a healthcare centre or a psychiatric clinic for dependency problems. You can find contact details for healthcare services and other forms of help at 1177.se. You can also contact the Swedish national gambling helpline, Stödlinjen.se, which offers information in multiple languages.
Since 2019, you can also block yourself from all licensed gambling companies in the Swedish gambling market via spelpaus.se. The website offers information in Swedish and English. This is a form of support that helps many people struggling to refrain from gambling.
Support from loved ones and talking to other people suffering from problem gambling can reduce the feeling that you’re alone in your addiction. Associations for gamblers and their families can also offer practical support, both to reduce the risk of relapses and to provide families with support and understanding of what problem gambling entails.
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. Motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are two examples of problem gambling treatments that are available to you. You can receive such treatment individually, in a group or online. It’s also important to learn how to recognize and manage gambling relapses.
Reviewed by: Anders Håkansson, professor of addiction medicine specialized in problem gambling, Lund University.
Last edited 2024-01-25