Today, it is not uncommon to see pregnant women struggling to overcome various forms of addiction. Most women continue to use throughout their pregnancy due to the lack of resources when it comes to rehab for women. In many cases, the fear of losing their child or getting Child Protective Services (CPS) involved often prevents pregnant women from seeking help at rehab centers.
Addiction Treatment Services for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women addicted to drugs or alcohol often struggle with limited transportation, few financial resources, inadequate childcare, and an overwhelming stigma. Admitting to a drug problem is severe enough, but when the addict is a mother, society tends to judge even more harshly.
Also, when pregnant women can overcome these obstacles, logistics is an issue. Spending time away from family and other children can be hard emotionally. For women in rehab, developing a plan without the support of family or lack of financial stability can seem impossible.
Detox Options for Pregnant Women
Generally, the first part of a women’s rehab treatment process is detox. This process requires time away from loved ones in a medical facility. It’s a tough step to take, but it’s necessary for success.
Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and even fatal without proper treatment. When a woman is pregnant and struggling with addiction, medical care becomes even more vital, as detox symptoms can affect fetuses in the womb.
In some tragic cases, untreated withdrawal can be fatal for the mother and the baby. For this reason, even when pregnant, women struggling with addiction are not encouraged to abruptly stop taking drugs or drinking alcohol on their own without professional help.
Medical detox provides the safest environment for pregnant women as they rid themselves of alcohol and substances. Additionally, pregnancy changes a woman’s body chemistry and metabolism. As a result, these changes impact withdrawal timelines. Thus, the duration and the intensity of withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person. For women in rehab, the symptoms depend on how they have been using drugs, the type, quantity, and method of use.
Risks of Abusing Substances during Pregnancy
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, every 15 minutes, one baby is born suffering from opioid withdrawal symptoms in the United States. Thus, by not reaching out for help, the mother is not only putting her life in jeopardy but putting the child at high risk for possible birth defects, heart problems, respiratory problems, low birth weight, SIDS, seizures, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Any woman struggling with addiction must reach out to drug rehab for women and comply with medical recommendations. It’s possible to overcome your abuse of drugs or alcohol abuse to find long-term sobriety.
It may be challenging to undergo the recovery process, but for most, it would be devastating to lose a child due to withdrawal or their resistance to treatment. Recovery is possible. It may be time-consuming, but this improvement allows the mother to be fully present in the child’s life and help provide stability for the family.
Breaking through denial and shame is the first step, but once a pregnant woman overcomes the stigma of seeking help, what about logistics? As mentioned, many women who can accept that they need help still struggle to find the financial support necessary to get it and lack a support system to care for their children during treatment.
Women Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment Center
Fortunately, there are rehabs for women with options to address the specific issues and barriers to success. Generally, most states offer insurance to pregnant women and mothers, which can help offset the cost of detox and treatment. Additionally, many states, including Florida, have non-profit treatment centers that specifically cater to the needs of pregnant women and mothers. In these facilities, some services are provided free of charge to women who may qualify.
Many centers and recovery residences even allow women to live with their children on campus while they receive care. Additionally, some are licensed and insured to treat women at every stage of pregnancy.
Further, 12-step programs can also offer great resources. They are also free-of-charge and available in every state. Thus, allowing women with financial difficulty to access the support they need to get and stay sober. Faith-based programs also tend to offer free or low-cost treatment and support. The key is to reach out, remain diligent, and research options.
Our Florida Drug Rehab For Women Center
For pregnant women, there are unique barriers to treatment, but this does not mean that recovery is impossible. In modern addiction treatment, there are many opportunities for mothers looking to better their lives. The first step is remembering that avoiding stigma is never as important as achieving freedom from substance dependence.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait to seek help. Learn more about our addiction treatment programs specially designed for pregnant women and mothers.
