Background & Purpose
Many people with both addiction and mental health problems often fall between the cracks because different authorities do not coordinate their care. The government wants to fix this by making cooperation mandatory.
The Decision
The Swedish Parliament decided that regions and municipalities must coordinate their care efforts more effectively and updated the terminology used in laws to be more respectful.
Does this affect you?
- Patients with complex needs: Individuals suffering from both addiction and mental health issues will receive more seamless care without having to navigate between different authorities on their own.
- Healthcare and social workers: Staff in both regions and municipalities will be legally required to collaborate, which changes how they organize and deliver daily support services.
In Practice
- Regions and municipalities must now plan and provide care together rather than as separate entities.
- The term 'missbruk' (abuse) is removed from laws and replaced with 'skadligt bruk' (harmful use) or 'beroende' (addiction).
- Care for addiction will be integrated with general psychiatric care to ensure a holistic approach.
- The new rules will be fully implemented starting January 1, 2028.