The corona pandemic has meant isolation and concern for the future and the economy.
This concern, together with the fact that awareness of gambling addiction among the general public is seen as two underlying reasons for the large increase seen in outpatient care.
- It is researched that anxiety and stress trigger this type of problem.
Gambling, alcohol or drugs become ways to relieve anxiety and manage stress, says addiction therapist Pär Landfors.
Quick loans trigger gambling addiction
In 2019, Spelpaus was introduced when the government decided to try to regulate the market.
The addiction therapist hears in his meetings that the service helps - but at the same time there are unscrupulous actors who continue to contact those who want to quit.
Gambling addicts are also contacted by lenders who offer loans that can aggravate the situation.
- Sometimes you see how it cynically alternates between gambling advertising and advertising about fast credits without trial, says Pär Landfors.
Would regulation be needed there?
- Yes absolutely.
It triggers, of course.