The government has submitted a bill to the Riksdag with proposals for more coherent care for people with harmful use or addiction and other psychiatric conditions. The proposals aim to reduce the risk of people with co-morbidities ending up between different authorities, levels of care and areas of responsibility.
A central part of the bill is that the regions should organize addiction care so that it can be provided in a coordinated manner with other psychiatric care. The government is also proposing a new law on coordinated care and support activities for people with mental disabilities and the need for long-term coordination. The legislative amendments are proposed to enter into force on 1 January 2028.
The background is a well-known challenge in addiction care and psychiatry: people with both addiction problems and mental illness often encounter multiple actors at the same time. When the division of responsibilities is unclear, care risks becoming fragmented, which can make it more difficult for the individual to receive the right support at the right time.
The bill therefore highlights the need for clearer roles between healthcare and social services. It is proposed that the regional healthcare system be given responsibility for all treatment for harmful use or addiction, while collaboration with social services remains crucial for support measures, housing, social situation and long-term recovery.
Another important suggestion is that the term “abuse” be replaced by “use”, “harmful use” or “dependence”. This is more than a linguistic change. It signals a more modern, person-centred and less stigmatising approach to addiction and mental illness.
For healthcare providers, social services and other actors, the reform means an increased focus on coordination, continuity and the individual’s needs over time. It also places demands on working methods that make it possible to follow up on interventions, detect risks early and share relevant information in a structured way between the parties involved.
Previct Care as support
In a more cohesive care process, digital tools can play an important role. Previct Care can be part of the work by supporting structured follow-up, self-reporting and remote monitoring in addiction care. Through continuous follow-up, caregivers and other involved actors can be better positioned to see changes over time, act earlier in the event of risk and create a more coordinated process around the individual.
As healthcare moves from fragmented interventions to cohesive support, both clear responsibilities and practical tools are needed. Previct Care can contribute as a digital support in that process – with the goal of strengthening continuity, participation and security for people with harmful use or addiction.
LINKS (Swedish):
Regeringskansliet