Using drugs and alcohol while pregnant not only place mothers at high risk but also the unborn child. Fetal alcohol syndrome, miscarriage, premature birth and other birth defects all greatly increase when expecting mothers use drugs or alcohol. Detoxing during pregnancy always requires the most acute level of treatment as to maintain the safety of both mother and child.
A safe drug detox while pregnant is a medically intensive procedure that must be supervised my medical and mental health professionals. Going cold turkey or attempting to detox at home can be harmful to both the mother and unborn child however it is even more dangerous for mothers to continue to use without seeking help or attempting to stop.
A safe, medically monitored withdrawal management program is the most effective way to detox drugs out of one’s system while pregnant. Getting off pain pills while pregnant and experiencing opiate withdrawal while pregnant can be a complicated process. Sudden opioid withdrawal while pregnant can cause respiratory distress to both mother and child, which has the potential to lead to the death of the unborn baby.
A medical detox tailored to the needs of pregnant women is the safest way to break the physical dependency of drugs and alcohol.
An alcohol detox is a high risk procedure by itself, however the dangers increase greatly when a client is detoxing while pregnant. Not all detox programs offer a detox services to pregnant women due to the high risk nature. Our staff has the ability to provide medical services to successfully manage withdrawal and pregnancy. One of the most dangerous symptoms of alcohol withdrawal is delirium (otherwise known as delirium tremens or DT’s). DT’s have the potential to lead to death of both the mother and fetus.
The risk of seizures present in an alcohol or benzodiazepine detox is still present however now the fetus also requires medical observation during withdrawal management. A safe detox while pregnant is the best way to ensure a positive outcome once withdrawal management has been completed.
If women continue to use and are lucky enough to carry their pregnancy full term, with no major complications, the best case scenario is for the child to be born physically addicted to the substance being abused by the mother.
Getting off pain pills while pregnant (or other narcotics) may involve an opioid replacement medication as a means to stabilize both the client and her unborn child. Medications such as Subutex or Methadone may be used to detox drugs out of a mother’s system. Regardless of the medication regimen, close medical monitoring is needed to ensure a safe detox during pregnancy.
At our sister program, Silver Pines full continuum of care for is offered expecting mothers, ranging from detox to treatment. If you or someone you know is in need of drug or alcohol detox, call StR at 267.719.8528 for more information.
