What is Stödlinjen?
Stödlinjen is run by the Centre for Psychiatry Research at Karolinska Institutet, on behalf of the Public Health Agency of Sweden. The service is free, anonymous and staffed by professional counsellors. You can call, chat or email — you do not need to give your name or social security number to get help.
When should you reach out?
You do not need to be ”addicted” to contact Stödlinjen. Many people reach out after a single incident where gambling felt out of control. Others reach out as concerned family members or partners. Stödlinjen provides guidance on everything from financial planning to how to open a conversation with someone close to you.
Signs of trouble
Three questions are a good first test. Are you gambling money you cannot afford to lose? Have you tried to cut down or stop without success? Have you lied to someone close to you about how much you gamble or lose? If you answer yes to one or more, it is worth calling Stödlinjen — it costs nothing and takes only minutes.
Other resources
Spelpaus.se lets you self-exclude from every Swedish-licensed operator. Many regions have specialist outpatient clinics for problem gambling — ask your primary care for a referral. Gamblers Anonymous holds independent self-help meetings, both in person and online.
