Doctors Need Help Addressing Drug and Alcohol Abuse During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and Drug Addiction
While the dangers of exposing your unborn child to drugs and alcohol are clear, researchers have discovered that actually engaging soon-to-be moms with questions about their substance use is still quite muddled. The risks are paramount, yet doctors are reluctant to talk to their prenatal patients with anything more than the outdated “Drugs are bad. You shouldn’t do drugs because they’ll hurt the baby,” routine.
Probing the Subject of Drug and Alcohol Use: A Catch-22
Dr. Richard Frankel, a medical sociologist elaborates, “Pregnant women are sensitive about being asked about substance abuse and some healthcare providers may feel that talking about these issues will compromise the provider-patient relationship, however, the evidence suggests that the benefits of a frank discussion about substance abuse far outweigh the costs to the relationship….
“Previous studies have shown that one minute of a doctor’s time for tobacco counseling has a measureable effect on attempts to quit smoking. We believe a similar strategy could be used to teach providers to engage pregnant women in brief but effective discussions of alcohol and drug abuse risks,” he says.
Better Prenatal Communication Leads to Reduced Drug Dependence
Could it be that medical professionals are in denial about the extensive nature of drug and alcohol use among pregnant women? That’s not to say that all women who use substances during pregnancy are addicts, but even so, free campaign literature for sobriety during pregnancy and while breastfeeding are practically a moms-to-be first shower gift. The intentions are good, but the message gets tossed in the trash all too often.
Physicians and midwives need immediate access to drug and alcohol rehab referrals, along with training in how to approach patients in a nonjudgmental, nonthreatening way. Partnering with local counseling and therapy services makes information available to all women – not just those who may look as if they’re at risk for abusing alcohol or illicit drugs.
“Obstetrical care providers may be more comfortable dealing with tobacco but alcohol and illicit drugs are just as, if not more, important to address. Doctors and midwives need to know what resources are available for counseling and which of these programs are most likely to work for expectant mothers. By helping the patient with alcohol and or drug abuse the provider can make a major difference in the health of the baby throughout his or her lifetime,” urges Dr. Frankel.
Tell Us: Would you be more likely to get help for a drug or alcohol problem while pregnant if you knew there was somewhere safe you could go for help?
Tags: pregnancy alcohol rehab, pregnancy and drug addiction, pregnancy drug rehab, prenatal drug addiction treatment, prenatal drug rehab
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October 18th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I have been preaching a sober lifestyle for several years now. I believe in a sober lifestyle and teach about the dangers of alcohol use/abuse. Being a sober alcoholic for quite some time now, I have always had a soft spot for people who have struggled with drug/alcohol addictions. I don’t think I’ve ever addressed this topic before, but I may go as far as stating, “Abusing drugs/alcohol while pregnant should be a crime”. Abusing drugs/alcohol while pregnant should be a crime with the same consequences (if not more consequences) than somebody who is arrested for drunk driving. This is nothing short of a form of child abuse. I believe people have the right to do what they want to their bodies, but not somebody else’s (let alone an unborn child).
I’ve seen the effects of babies addicted to crack and babies born with fetal alcohol syndrome. Why is this different than child abuse or hurting someone else while drunk driving? I can hear the arguments against this concept already…”These women are sick and need help.” My response to this is, “I understand”. Let me tell you a little story….
As I mentioned, I once had a bad problem with alcohol and drugs. I was considered a “multiple offender” when it came to DUI’s. On one particular occasion, a judge was about to sentence me to 30 days in the county jail and he asked if I had anything to say. I replied with, “Your honor, I don’t think I should have to go to jail because jail is for criminals and I’m just someone with a bad drinking problem. I’m not a criminal.” The judge thought for a moment and said, “Mr. Eugene, you are not being prosecuted for having a drinking problem. You are being prosecuted for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, which is a crime. Therefore you are a criminal. I sentence you to 30 days in the county jail. Now, turn to your right and follow the instructions of the bailiff.”
In summary, I sympathize with people who struggle with drugs and or alcohol. If a woman has a drinking or drug problem and continues to abuse while knowingly pregnant, this should absolutely be punishable as a crime and doctors should be required to report such issues if they are aware of this taking place. Maybe court ordered treatment might be a solution in this case. I’m not sure. Here’s one thing I do know…if the woman is in a treatment facility or jail and stays there until the birth of her child, she won’t have access to drugs and alcohol and her baby will have a better shot at life.
My kids were born after I had sobered up (plus I’m a male) so this isn’t an issue I had to deal with but I deeply feel for the women who do have to deal with it. These are just some of my thoughts.
http://www.ReasonsToStaySober.com
Dave