When substance use takes over everyday life
Sometimes it happens gradually, sometimes suddenly. What began as something social or occasional can become a pattern that’s hard to break.
Alcohol, drugs or gambling — but the feeling is often the same
What once gave you pleasure, calm or excitement can slowly begin to take over your life more than you intended. You may find it’s hard to stop, notice relationships suffer, see your finances take a hit, or have your thoughts constantly revolve around the next time. You might find yourself drinking more and more often than you meant to, that daily life is affected, relationships are damaged, or that you frequently feel guilt or anxiety afterwards.
Ending up in dependence or problematic use can happen to anyone — it’s not a sign of weakness, but a consequence of how the brain and body react to alcohol, drugs or problematic gambling. The important thing is that you don’t have to face it on your own.
Whether it’s alcohol, drugs or gambling, there are ways to build a better everyday life. With the right support, you can regain control and create a more manageable future. It’s never too late to start again.
You are not alone
Thousands of people in Sweden face the same problems, and many have found a way forward. Help is available, and the first step can be as simple as talking to someone about your situation. Here are things you can do yourself:
- Talk to someone you trust — loneliness makes it harder.
- Seek professional support — healthcare services, social services or specialised treatment programmes can help.
- Set small goals — every step towards change matters.
- Be kind to yourself — addiction is an illness, not a failure.
“The advantage of Previct is that I have a therapist who keeps an eye on me 24/7, basically around the clock, compared to seeing a therapist in the municipality three hours a week. When I used the Previct sobriety test, I could also prove to my family that I hadn't been drinking, because they no longer trusted me, because I had lied to them for over 20 years. They hadn't started to trust me just because I had been in a treatment center for 5 weeks. I brought my family with me to the treatment and every evening my daughter got to be in the picture when I blew on the Previct breathalyzer, we both thought it was fun, and then she also knew that dad was sober and could fall asleep without having to think about whether I had been drinking or not. In addition to doing three breathalyzer tests every day, I also had to answer questions, such as in the morning I could be asked a question about being the captain of my own life, and answer a question; What attitude should I have today; should I be positive or negative today, and by just clicking and answer that I will be positive today and I have already made a choice to be positive.”
Treatment support—right on your phone
If you want to take back control of your life from alcohol, gambling or drugs, Previct Care offers extra day-to-day support — right on your phone.
You carry out much of your care yourself, in your own environment and when it suits you. With Previct Care you become more involved; care happens more on your terms and according to your circumstances. Your caregiver receives real-time information about your sobriety, well-being and motivation and can support you in the best possible way.
You can perform daily sobriety tests, drug tests or receive follow-up for gambling, depending on the support you need. Smart alcohol and drug tests are run via the Previct App with face identity verification, enabling you to self-administer tests without in-person supervision. Sobriety tests use a pocket-sized breathalyzer paired with the Previct App, while drug testing uses the smartphone camera to scan the eye.
In addition to sobriety tests, you receive a personalized care plan created together with your caregiver to help build positive habits and routines. Daily checks and regular reflection — with exercises and tasks — provide invaluable support in your treatment. Previct Care gives you the chance to regain control.
Benefits of Previct Care
Take control of your treatment on your terms. In the Previct App you can track your well-being and perform tests, while your caregiver provides motivation and support for lasting change.
Freedom
Support is with you wherever you are — at home, at work or on the go. It’s available around the clock and tailored to your needs.
Motivation
Being able to demonstrate your sobriety helps you regain control, self-respect and confidence — and rebuild trust with those around you.
Support
You’re not alone. Through remote monitoring, your caregiver can follow your progress and provide timely help when needed.
Do you need support?
Previct Care is now available as a simple, discreet and motivating form of support through most Swedish municipalities, as well as via occupational health services and private healthcare providers. If you’d like to know more, ask your municipal addiction service or contact us — we’ll be happy to tell you more.
