Addiction care
In Sweden, the social services and the health care system share responsibility for support for substance abuse and dependence. The social services are primarily responsible for social support and interventions under the Social Services Act, while the health services are responsible for medical care, treatment and psychiatry.
Social services
The social services in your municipality can offer support, such as counseling, guidance and various treatment interventions.
For many, the step of making contact can feel big and associated with stigma or fear of not being understood. At the same time, social services can often provide good help and support to find the right interventions. This can range from counseling and support persons to more comprehensive programs or help with practical things in everyday life.
It's good to know that LGBTIQ expertise can vary between municipalities and caseworkers, but this shouldn't stop you from seeking support, and you can always ask to see a different caseworker if you're not treated well.
If you are not sure where to turn, you can always call the municipality where you live and ask to speak to someone about issues related to drugs and support. You can choose to remain anonymous if you just want information or advice. However, if you are applying for an intervention (e.g. treatment or financial assistance), you must tell them who you are, as the social services will need to make a formal decision.
Health and medical services
Many people think that the sole focus of treatment is to stop using drugs, but there is support available whatever your goal. Help can be provided through regional addiction programs, although the approach, goals, scope and LGBTI expertise may differ. An important message is not to give up, even if the first encounter does not feel good - there can be a big difference between different clinics and health professionals.
All healthcare professionals have a duty to keep records. If you are concerned about information becoming visible to other healthcare professionals, you can ask the practice to help you block your records. You can also do this yourself via 1177.se. A blocked record means that only the relevant practice can see the notes.
On 1177.se provides more information on where you can get support and help. You can also select your region to see what applies where you live. If you are not sure who to turn to, you can always start by talking to your family doctor or another healthcare professional you trust, such as the clinic where you usually get tested for HIV and STIs.
In Stockholm there are Lifestyle clinic, a specialized clinic for young people up to 25 years old. You can come here if you want to talk about alcohol, drugs, sex or other issues related to your lifestyle and health. You can get support in the form of talks, counseling and help to find the right interventions based on your needs. The visits are free of charge and you can make contact yourself without a referral.
