Drug Treatment for Mothers

By: Rhea Rosier

“According to SAMHSA, only 3% of the 11,578 recognized substance abuse treatment facilities that accept women are programs for pregnant and postpartum women only, and only 14% provide support for pregnant or postpartum adult women.”

Many drug treatment programs have focused or relied on male based recovery models that focus on the individual and not the pregnant nor the postpartum addict within the context of their family or environment. It is often difficult for drug using mothers to be accepted into drug treatment programs if they are pregnant or cannot leave their children at home.

Many maternal substance abusers are also hesitant to enter into a drug treatment program for fear of losing custody of their children or fear of criminal prosecution including negative reactions from normal drug treatment programs-which all drives them away from going to drug treatment. Lack of resources is another barrier that keeps pregnant women from getting drug treatment. Social, economic and logistical barriers keep many pregnant, drug-addicted women from accessing substance abuse treatment. Moreover, despite attention given the problem over the years, social stigma and fear of losing custody can keep them from seeking medical care, period. Each barrier is increasing the likelihood a child will be affected by the drug and face health, behavioral and developmental issues later in life.

Luckily, in the event there are mothers that do want to go to rehab there is specific drug treatment for mothers that caters specifically to their needs. Drug treatment for mothers will help women who have struggled with substance abuse throughout their entire lives finally get back on track by giving them new focus. These mothers, either pregnant or with young children, are probably the people who need drug treatment the most and have never had the opportunity to go. That is why drug treatment for mothers is does everything it can to help. Drug treatment for mothers assigns each individual woman with an individualized program they must complete. Drug treatment for mothers will make sure that they have access to resources to help them combat their addictions and clinical care that enables to properly care for their children while house in the facility (residential treatment).

Drug treatment for mothers recognizes the important roles women play socially as well as the differences in women compared to men emotionally, mentally and physically. A one size fits all approach to treatment works for some but when it comes to mothers it does not. Mothers play an important role in the family and especially with their children. Drug treatment for mothers takes special care to realize the importance of a family program as well as providing resources and tools to mothers to learn how to parent better while also keeping the addiction or alcoholism at bay.

Drug treatment for mothers knows it is not easy to have children and also try and combat addiction so there is also added support encompassed into the drug treatment program that is specifically designed to give mothers the strength and compassion they need to succeed.

If you are a mother or know a mother struggling with drug addiction or alcohol abuse please call toll-free 1-888-672-4435