NCJ Number
129348
Journal
Clearinghouse Review Volume: 24 Issue: 5 Dated: special issue (1990) Pages: 490-492
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the importance of treatment programs for pregnant alcohol or drug-dependent women and notes several existing treatment programs.
Abstract
Alcohol and other drug use among women of childbearing age has increased dramatically. A national estimate indicates that 11 percent of pregnant women use illegal drugs during their pregnancy. Substance abuse during pregnancy has negative physical and psychological consequences for both mother and child. Alcoholic mothers risk having infants with fetal alcohol syndrome which may result in mental retardation, growth retardation, and physical abnormalities. Addicted mothers are less likely than other expectant mothers to obtain adequate prenatal care and nutrition resulting in high-risk pregnancies and low birth weight babies who are more at risk of infant mortality and childhood disability. These women and children are also at high risk of AIDS. There is a strong correlation between alcohol and other drug dependence and such social problems as child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and homelessness. Many Federal, State, and local officials have responded to the problem of increased drug use among pregnant women by seeking punitive sanctions against them. There is consensus among advocates, health care professionals, and child and family welfare experts that pregnant women with alcohol and other drug problems need comprehensive treatment services that consider the complexity of addiction as well as medical, psychological, and economic needs of women and their children. Seven existing programs for pregnant addicted women are described with addresses, telephone numbers, and contact points listed.