IOGT came to Sweden 125 years ago. At that time the consumption of alcohol was very high and led to big problems. The temperance movement organised many people in the fight against alcohol and the problems it caused. The work was successful and Sweden adopted a restrictive alcohol and drug policy which has decreased the use and as a result of that the problems.
The last ten years Sweden has changed into a more liberal policy. As a consequence of the Swedish membership in the European Union several of the restrictions have dissolved. This has lead to a dramatic raise of the consumption of alcohol and the amount is almost as high as it was 125 years ago. The temperance work is therefore of high importance in Sweden today.