Pregnancy and Drug Use

However, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) research shows that care and treatment for the pregnant drug abuser can reduce many of the negative effects on the baby.

Health Risks Associated with Drug Abuse

Many women with drug problems are afraid to seek treatment. Studies have found that more than 4 million women need treatment for drug abuse. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why women do not seek help. Some women may not be able to find child care. Or they fear that the authorities may take away their children. Some women fear they will be punished if they admit their drug addiction. Many women fear violence from their husbands, boyfriends, or partners.

Friends and family can help relieve these fears for the woman who uses drugs. They can support her by helping her find good drug abuse treatment and by providing child care and transportation. Women can get help for their drug addiction.

It is hard to beat drug addiction. But the woman who uses drugs can get better with the right kind of treatment -- even if she has tried to quit before and failed. The first step is to find out what kind of treatment a woman needs and where she can get it. If you are pregnant, live in the Amarillo area, and are unable to stop using drugs, call our center at (806) 354-2288 for a referral to a local treatment program. Women who get treatment can rebuild their lives.

Source: "Women and Drug Abuse," Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH Publication No. 94-3732, 1994. National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information