NCJ Number
169917
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1997) Pages: 659-671
Date Published
1997
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This exploratory study gathered qualitative and quantitative information from 83 pregnant drug abusers during and after residential drug treatment and focused on patterns of drug use, sexual risk behaviors, and characteristics the participants believed would make drug treatment strategies more effective for them and their families.
Abstract
The interviews were conducted at three residential treatment facilities for women, as well as at home after discharge from the program. The participants were all black women who lived in urban areas and used crack cocaine during and after pregnancy. Seventy-seven percent reported multiple drug use; only 6 percent reported using only alcohol. The 22 percent of the women who reported that they did not often take drugs during pregnancy reported that concern for the child's well-being was a motivating factor, as were family members' constant warnings about the dangers of drug use during pregnancy. All participants wanted a treatment program that would not separate them from their children. They also wanted drug treatment for their significant others or male friends. Findings suggested the need for a nurturing program such as the African-American Nurturing Program to be incorporated into drug treatment programs that serve black pregnant women who use crack cocaine. The components of this program's 12 group sessions including bonding, empathy, self-awareness, touch, discipline, unconditional love and respect, and developmental knowledge. Tables and 24 references (Author abstract modified)