Pregnancy and Substance Abuse
The Dangers of Drug Abuse During Pregnancy:
Prenatal Developmental Issues That Begin With Substance Abuse
Abstract
Substance abuse is a common issue among pregnant women and is tragic as it not only affects the woman, but can have lasting effects on her unborn child. Specifically, substance abuse during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, significant cognitive and behavioral issues, and even miscarriage. Pregnant women who use substances such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methadone, methamphetamine, and other addictive substances put themselves and their babies at great risk; however, there is increasing evidence that even substances such as alcohol and cigarettes, which are commonly thought of as less dangerous than the previously mentioned substances, are extremely harmful to the newborn. Some forms of treatment have been proven effective in lowering the risks of these adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, many factors influence treatment effectiveness. The most important factors to consider regarding treatment involve the waiting period for treatment and the existence of an aftercare plan. Treatment providers should be educated about the special accommodations required for pregnant women.
The Dangers of Drug Abuse During Pregnancy:
Prenatal Developmental Issues That Begin with Substance Abuse Pregnancy is a beautiful experience that will be the beginning of the shaping and development of an individual, the preparation period for bringing a new being into the world. Unfortunately, this sacred period of time is not immune to tragedy, mistakes, and heartache, especially when addiction or even casual substance use is involved. Pregnant women are not only eating for two, but are also damaging two bodies and souls when they choose to abuse substances during pregnancy. Substance abuse during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent, with substance abusing women of child bearing age accounting for 40% of the treatment population; this
Prenatal Developmental Issues That Begin With Substance Abuse
Abstract
Substance abuse is a common issue among pregnant women and is tragic as it not only affects the woman, but can have lasting effects on her unborn child. Specifically, substance abuse during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, significant cognitive and behavioral issues, and even miscarriage. Pregnant women who use substances such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methadone, methamphetamine, and other addictive substances put themselves and their babies at great risk; however, there is increasing evidence that even substances such as alcohol and cigarettes, which are commonly thought of as less dangerous than the previously mentioned substances, are extremely harmful to the newborn. Some forms of treatment have been proven effective in lowering the risks of these adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, many factors influence treatment effectiveness. The most important factors to consider regarding treatment involve the waiting period for treatment and the existence of an aftercare plan. Treatment providers should be educated about the special accommodations required for pregnant women.
The Dangers of Drug Abuse During Pregnancy:
Prenatal Developmental Issues That Begin with Substance Abuse Pregnancy is a beautiful experience that will be the beginning of the shaping and development of an individual, the preparation period for bringing a new being into the world. Unfortunately, this sacred period of time is not immune to tragedy, mistakes, and heartache, especially when addiction or even casual substance use is involved. Pregnant women are not only eating for two, but are also damaging two bodies and souls when they choose to abuse substances during pregnancy. Substance abuse during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent, with substance abusing women of child bearing age accounting for 40% of the treatment population; this
Bibliography: Albrecht, J., Lindsay, B., & Terplan, M. (2011). Effect of waiting time on substance abuse treatment completion in pregnant women. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 41(1), 71-77. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2011.01.05. Feldman, R. S. (2011). Development across the life span. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Topley, J., Windsor, D., and Williams, R. (2007). Behavioral, developmental, and child protection outcomes following exposure to class A drugs in pregnancy. Child: Care, Health, and Development, 34 (1), 71-76. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2214.2007.00768.x.