Drug Usage
A mother who uses drugs risks her life and her baby's. When a pregnant woman uses drugs, she and her unborn child face serious health problems. During pregnancy, the drugs used by the mother can enter the baby's bloodstream. The most serious effects on the baby can be HIV infection, AIDS, prematurity, low birth weight, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, small head size, stunted growth, poor motor skills, and behavior problems. A mother's continuing drug use puts her children at risk for neglect, physical abuse, and malnutrition.
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
Mother: Poor Nutrition, High Blood Pressure, Rapid Heart Beat, Low Weight Gain, Low Self Esteem, Preterm Labor, Sexually Transmitted Disease, Early Delivery HIV/AIDS, Depression, Physical Abuse
Baby: Prematurity, Low Birth Weight, Infections, Small Head Size, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Birth Defect,s Stunted Growth, Poor Motor Skills, HIV/AIDS, Learning Disabilities, Neurological Problems.
Don't be Afraid
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.