Treating Opioid Addiction While Pregnant
Unfortunately, opioid use disorder doesn’t disappear once you become pregnant. Because of this, it is extremely important those with an opioid addiction or history of opiate use reach out to a healthcare provider or addiction treatment center. Otherwise, their baby might be at risk.
At Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc., our certified physicians are trained to guide expectant mothers throughout this recovery process. Ultimately, our mission is to protect the baby’s safety and to ensure a healthy, smooth transition into a mother-child relationship outside of the clinic.
Our buprenorphine treatment centers are located in Gainesville, Ocala, Orange Park, Palatka, and Perry, Florida. For more information on starting addiction treatment, or to schedule your first appointment, contact one of our Florida clinics today!
Medication-Assisted Treatment
For pregnant women looking to reduce their opioid cravings, we highly recommend a combination of psychotherapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, can work to balance brain chemistry and prevent relapse. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine is safe for both you and your baby.
Quitting opioids ‘cold turkey’ is not advisable. This instant stop can cause preterm labor, miscarriage, still birth, and a number of potential birth defects.
The best way to avoid these complications is to listen to the advice of your doctor. When prescribed medications containing buprenorphine, such as Subutex or Suboxone, take the medication at the correct time and at the appropriate dosage. Do not combine Subutex or Suboxone with other medications or illicit drugs.
Side Effects
When pursuing medication-assisted treatment, you may run the risk of your child developing neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This means that the baby was exposed to opiates during pregnancy and has now developed a substance dependence. While this condition sounds frightening, it is entirely manageable. Doctors can treat neonatal abstinence syndrome by encouraging skin-to-skin contact with the mother, promoting breastfeeding, and reducing noise and lights in the baby’s hospital room. It may be recommended that the newborn stays in the hospital for an extended period after delivery so that the doctors can monitor them. In extreme cases, the baby may need to receive small doses of the drug that the mother used during pregnancy. This can help wean the baby off of the substance, while also helping them cope with withdrawal symptoms.
Mental Health Care
Pregnancy is a huge milestone in one’s life. However, it is also a time of turbulence and sudden change. This rapid transition can take both a physical and mental toll on an expectant mother.
Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc. can help those navigating this change. Our psychiatrists can connect mothers to mental health resources and a reliable support system, before and after delivery.
Our offices are happy to offer psychological evaluations, individual and family counseling, group therapy sessions, and telehealth services for those looking to manage their opioid use. For patients who were already prescribed buprenorphine by our providers, group therapy is offered at no additional cost.
The goal of these tailored therapeutic care sessions are to overcome troubling thoughts and self-destructive habits. This involves learning healthy coping mechanisms and proper stress management.
Giving birth to a child is one of the most stressful ordeals your body can experience. After delivery, we suggest that mothers attempt to be easy on themselves. This act is easier said than done, but it is vital to moving forward past your mental health struggles.
Ultimately, mental health recovery does not happen overnight. It requires dedication and willingness to reflect on the past and evolve toward a better, brighter future.
For more information on how to get started with psychotherapy or medication-assisted treatment, contact Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc. today.