Navigation: Drug Overdose Deaths among Pregnant Women on the Rise, The Barriers to Treatment for Pregnant Women, Stigma Increases Women’s Risk of Overdose during Pregnancy, Fear of Criminal Punishment Deters Pregnant Women from Seeking Help, What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?, Addiction is a Chronic Disease, How to Support Pregnant Women Dealing with Addiction, Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Pregnant Women
It may be difficult for some people to process, but it’s a fact that even pregnant and parenting women can struggle with substance use disorder and develop addiction. With the number of pregnant women with addiction rising consistently over the years, it becomes increasingly important to emphasize that pregnant people with addiction need treatment rather than criminalization.
The addiction crisis claims over 100,000 lives a year, and it is showing no signs of slowing down. Research shows that drug overdose is now one of the leading causes of death during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. It goes without saying pregnant women with substance use disorders need our support.
Unfortunately, high quality addiction treatment is hard to come by in the US, particularly in rural areas. This is why it is essential to find rehab programs near you that can offer quality drug abuse treatment. But for pregnant women, they face additional obstacles in their journey towards recovery.
For women with children, it can be difficult to take care of them while also going to rehab. Only a small number of rehab facilities offer child care. On top of that, they also have to worry about transportation, food, housing, and other necessities.
But for pregnant women, the barriers to treatment are even higher. In fact, one recent study that used a “secret shopper” approach found that callers were 17% less likely to book an appointment with addiction treatment providers if they said they were pregnant. There’s even the factor of race and ethnicity coming into play, with pregnant Black and Hispanic people being less likely to get medication for their opioid use disorder.
There may be a bit of discrimination and prejudice even among treatment facilities when it comes to pregnant and parenting women.
Substance abuse prevention involves understanding the struggles people face when seeking treatment. This is why we are going to discuss women’s health, addiction, illicit drugs, and child protective services, as well as the barriers pregnant women face when seeking treatment for their condition.
Drug Overdose Deaths among Pregnant Women on the Rise
Researchers from Columbia University recently found that drug overdose deaths among pregnant women and postpartum people are on the rise. They reported that between 2017 and 2020, there was an 81% increase in overdose-related fatalities among this population.
Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data in 2022 showing that 23% of deaths during pregnancy or in the following year had something to do with mental health conditions like substance use disorders (SUDs). This makes it even more dangerous than the usual pregnancy complications like excessive bleeding.
These findings serve to highlight the importance of ensuring pregnant women have access to proper addiction treatment programs. It is just as important to remove the existing obstacles that interfere with their treatment. But what are these barriers?
The Barriers to Treatment for Pregnant Women
There are several barriers to addiction treatment for pregnant women. All of these factors contribute to the fact that not many pregnant and parenting women receive the help that they need for their substance use disorder.
Here are some of the barriers to treatment for pregnant women:
Stigma: There is still a significant amount of stigma associated with addiction, which can make pregnant women feel ashamed and reluctant to seek help.
Lack of access to treatment: Pregnant women may face challenges accessing addiction treatment due to geographic location, financial barriers, or limited availability of services.
Fear of legal consequences: Pregnant women may be afraid of legal repercussions or the possibility of losing custody of their child if they seek treatment.
Lack of prenatal care: Women who struggle with addiction may not receive adequate prenatal care, which can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
Lack of education and awareness: Some pregnant women may not be aware of the risks associated with substance abuse during pregnancy or may not understand the importance of seeking treatment.
Fear of medication-assisted treatment: Some pregnant women may be hesitant to undergo medication-assisted treatment for fear of harm to their unborn child.
Mental health issues: Pregnant women with addiction may also struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can make it more difficult to seek and receive treatment.
Addressing these barriers requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, access to resources and support, reducing stigma, and providing compassionate and non-judgmental care.
Stigma Increases Women’s Risk of Overdose during Pregnancy
We all know stigma still exists to this day surrounding addiction and rehab. This is why many addicted people are afraid to seek professional medical care. The stigma against addiction is even greater for pregnant women.
There are several ways addiction stigma can affect pregnant women. For starters, it can limit their access to healthcare. Stigma can make it harder for pregnant women with addiction to access healthcare services. Many healthcare providers are reluctant to treat women with addiction, which can result in inadequate prenatal care and treatment.
Many pregnant women also feel incredible shame and guilt because of their addiction. This may discourage them from seeking help for their addiction.
Due to their fear of judgment, pregnant women suffering from addiction may also struggle with social isolation.
Stigma causes women with addiction to experience social isolation. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, which can exacerbate addiction and impact the health of both the mother and the baby.
Stigma can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of pregnant women with addiction. But perhaps the biggest obstacle towards treatment is the fear of criminal justice.
Fear of Criminal Punishment Deters Pregnant Women from Seeking Help
Women who use drugs during pregnancy may face legal repercussions, such as arrest or child custody issues, which is enough reason for them not to pursue treatment. The fear of criminal punishment deters many pregnant women from seeking treatment whether they have alcohol abuse disorder or drug abuse problems.
Several states in the US have punitive policies in place that are specifically aimed at women who are pregnant. Substance abuse among pregnant women is often regarded as potential child abuse. It may also be used as grounds for commitment or being charged with a criminal act.
Pregnant women may face penalties for substance abuse including loss of custody, fines, incarceration, or involuntary commitment.
It is a fact that children in states that have punitive policies for mothers with substance use disorder are less likely to be reunited with their parents, compared to those in other states.
It’s not surprising that these punitive policies are keeping pregnant women from disclosing their substance use to their health care providers.
What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of symptoms that occur in newborns who were exposed to addictive substances, usually opioids, while in their mother’s womb. When the baby is born, they experience withdrawal symptoms as the drug is no longer available.
Symptoms of NAS may include tremors, irritability, seizures, feeding difficulties, sweating, fever, and rapid breathing. The severity of NAS symptoms can vary based on the type of drug used, the amount used, and the duration of exposure.
Treatment for NAS may include medication, such as methadone or morphine, to manage withdrawal symptoms and promote infant comfort. In addition, supportive care, such as ensuring proper nutrition and hydration, may be necessary to help the baby through the withdrawal period.
This is only another example of how untreated addiction can potentially harm both the mother and the baby. Left untreated, substance use disorder may lead to overdose, which puts both lives at serious risk.
Addiction treatment may lower the odds of low birth weight, placental abruption, and preterm delivery. It can also help mothers stay employed and take care of their children.
Punitive policies operate under the assumption that addiction is a deviant choice rather than a legitimate medical condition. Shifting away from criminalization should help more pregnant mothers make a full recovery. Simply being addicted is not child abuse or a sign of neglect. Pregnant women should be encouraged to seek treatment for their sake and for the sake of their baby’s health.
Addiction is a Chronic Disease
Addiction is recognized as a medical condition by the medical community, including the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
It is a chronic disease that affects the brain and behavior, leading to compulsive drug-seeking and use despite harmful consequences.
Addiction is classified as a mental health disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). While it is treatable, it also requires ongoing care. This means it’s not so different from other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
How to Support Pregnant Women Dealing with Addiction
While steps should be taken to reduce the influence of stigma on addicted individuals, especially pregnant women, there are plenty of ways you can support someone who is dealing with an addiction.
You need to offer support and encouragement. Let your pregnant loved one know that you are there to support and encourage them throughout the treatment process. Offer to accompany her to appointments and provide transportation to make it more convenient.
Take the initiative and look for addiction treatment facilities near you that help pregnant and parenting women. Help her find local resources such as addiction treatment centers, prenatal care providers, and support groups. Provide her with information on treatment options and help her choose the best one for her needs.
You can also talk to them about the potential risks to herself and her unborn baby if she continues to use drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. Be honest and open about the potential consequences, but also offer hope for a positive outcome with treatment.
Try to eliminate the obstacles to treatment as much as possible. Most mothers would hesitate to go to rehab since their children will be left with no one to take care of them. But here you can offer child care assistance to take some of the weight off their shoulders. This will help them focus on their recovery.
Addiction recovery is a long and challenging process so be patient and understanding. Your support will help them get started on the road to sobriety.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Pregnant Women
Substance abuse treatment for pregnant women typically involves a combination of medical, behavioral, and social interventions to address both the mother’s addiction and the well-being of the developing fetus.
The following are the steps involved in substance abuse treatment for pregnant women:
Assessment: The first step in treating substance abuse in pregnant women is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the woman’s medical history, addiction history, and mental health.
Detoxification: If necessary, pregnant women will undergo detoxification under medical supervision. The goal of detoxification is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and avoid harm to the fetus.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): In some cases, medication-assisted treatment may be used to manage opioid addiction. This treatment involves the use of medications such as methadone or buprenorphine, along with counseling and other support services.
Behavioral therapy: Pregnant women in substance abuse treatment may also participate in behavioral therapy. This type of therapy can help them identify and change negative patterns of behavior that contribute to substance abuse.
Support services: Pregnant women in substance abuse treatment may also receive support services such as prenatal care, parenting education, and access to community resources.
Aftercare: After completing treatment, pregnant women may participate in ongoing support groups, counseling, or other programs to help them maintain their sobriety.
Substance abuse treatment for pregnant women requires a specialized and individualized approach to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus.
Look for an addiction treatment facility near you today if you or someone you love is dealing with an addiction. There are plenty of resources such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that can provide additional information regarding treatment services for pregnant women.
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