If you’re pregnant and struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, or you’re concerned about a pregnant woman in your life battling with substance abuse issues, Help4Addiction offers a FREE helpline with professional advice and treatment options specifically designed for expectant mothers.
Diagnosing an addiction problem during pregnancy can be difficult and knowing the first steps to addressing the issue can be even harder – but we are here to assist you with the best practice for you and your unborn baby.
Call us on 0203 955 7700 to speak to a customer care advisor, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Speak to us about:
- 7-day, 14-day, 28-day, 90-day treatment
- Safe drug and alcohol detox during pregnancy
- Inpatient rehab for pregnant women
- Outpatient rehab for pregnant women
- Online addiction support
- Ongoing support
- Secondary treatment
- Pregnancy-safe treatment approaches
- Maternal and foetal health monitoring
- Post-natal addiction support
- Confidential addiction help
- Family support services
At Help4Addiction, we are run by community professionals who understand the perils of drug and alcohol addiction – and the best ways to approach it safely during pregnancy. Through providing advice over the phone and offering various treatments, we can find the best options to help with addiction issues and offer sustainable coping mechanisms for you, your baby, your family and loved ones.
Our team of trained professionals are on standby and ready to talk and discuss your requirements, with no judgement and no obligation.
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How Can You Help Pregnant Women With Drug Or Alcohol Addiction?
| Treatment Type | Description |
|---|---|
| 7 Day Rehab | A basic form of rehab including pregnancy-safe addiction counselling, therapy sessions, medically supervised care, and wellness activities. Available as online, inpatient, or outpatient treatment. |
| 14 Day Rehab | A more extended programme offering counselling, CBT, group therapy, and activities. Provides a deeper level of support for overcoming drug or alcohol addiction safely during pregnancy. |
| 28 Day Rehab | A full 1-month programme offering comprehensive therapy and support with medical monitoring. Can be completed as inpatient or outpatient, depending on individual needs and pregnancy stage. |
| 90 Day Rehab | A long-term 3-month rehab programme, combining inpatient and outpatient care. Allows more time for recovery and can extend through pregnancy and early post-natal period. |
| Safe Detox During Pregnancy | A detox programme supervised by medical professionals experienced in pregnancy care, available in clinic. Includes 24/7 medical monitoring, one-to-one support, and group therapy. |
| Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab | Inpatient care includes overnight stays with medical monitoring; outpatient rehab allows patients to return home daily. Inpatient is often recommended during pregnancy for safety. |
| Post-Natal Support and Aftercare | Secondary treatments to prevent relapse after birth, including mother and baby support, helplines, group therapy, and community programmes. |
We understand treatment costs can be a concern. Our advisors can discuss funding options, payment plans, and free NHS services available for pregnant women.
What Treatments Could Help Pregnant Women With Addiction Problems?
- Medically supervised detox safe for pregnancy
- CBT therapy
- Group therapy with other mothers
- Pregnancy-safe medication if needed
- One-to-one therapy with a professional
- Prenatal care alongside addiction treatment
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapies safe for pregnancy
- Nutrition and prenatal vitamins
- Gentle exercise suitable for pregnancy
- Post-natal planning and support
How Do I Know If I Have An Addiction During Pregnancy?
Lack of Control Over Substance Use
Drug or alcohol addiction is characterised by the lack of control over substance consumption. This means that you may be unable to control:
- When you drink or use drugs
- How often you use
- How much you use
- When you start or stop using
You may use drugs an alcohol at inappropriate times or struggle to stop using even when you know it could harm your unborn baby.
Drugs or alcohol can quickly become the priority of an addict. This means that you may neglect your responsibilities, including prenatal appointments or proper self-care during pregnancy.
You may be aware of the negative consequences of your drug or alcohol use on yourself and your baby but continue to do so anyway.
You may also attempt to stop using, but end up relapsing. Addiction is a relapsing disease that can be very difficult to overcome without the right support, especially during the stress of pregnancy.
Displays Withdrawal Symptoms
People with drug or alcohol dependence will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. Withdrawal symptoms can affect your physical and mental health – you may feel unwell for a while after stopping.
Withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on a range of factors such as medical history and addiction history. Some physical withdrawal symptoms include headache, fever, sweating, hand tremors, appetite changes, nausea, and vomiting.
Some psychological withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, mood swings, and low mood. Severe withdrawal – for example, delirium tremens from alcohol, can involve hallucinations and can be dangerous during pregnancy. If you’re experiencing severe withdrawal whilst pregnant, seek medical attention immediately.
Increased Tolerance To Drugs Or Alcohol
Another sign that you have an addiction problem is that you have an increased tolerance to drugs or alcohol.
As you use more substances, over time, your body will get used to this level of intake. This means that you will use more to feel the same effect.
You may notice that you’re using the same amount as others but still appearing sober, or need more substances to feel the desired effect.
How Can I Get Help For Addiction During Pregnancy?
Although you may feel ashamed or scared to seek help during pregnancy, it can be difficult to overcome addiction without professional guidance. However, it’s possible to get the support you need and protect both yourself and your baby.
Speak To A Healthcare Professional
One of the first things you should do when dealing with addiction during pregnancy is speak to a healthcare professional. This could be your midwife, GP, or an addiction specialist.
You may feel worried about judgement or that your baby will be taken away, but healthcare professionals are there to help you, not to judge you.
Being honest about your drug or alcohol use means you can get the right medical care for you and your baby. Healthcare professionals can monitor your pregnancy more closely and ensure your baby gets the support they may need after birth.
Seek Specialist Pregnancy Addiction Treatment
Addiction treatment during pregnancy requires specialist care. Not all detox methods or medications are safe during pregnancy, which is why it’s crucial to work with professionals who understand how to treat addiction safely whilst protecting your unborn baby.
Specialist treatment centres can provide medically supervised care that takes into account both your addiction recovery and your pregnancy needs.
Take Care of Yourself and Your Baby
Dealing with addiction during pregnancy is incredibly difficult, so it is important to look after your wellbeing. This includes attending prenatal appointments, eating nutritious food, taking prenatal vitamins, and getting adequate rest.
Even small steps towards recovery can make a significant difference to your baby’s health. Every day without drugs or alcohol is a day you’re protecting your baby.
How Do I Find Rehab Help For Pregnant Women?
At Help4Addiction, we can work with you to find the best place to receive drug and alcohol addiction treatment that is safe during pregnancy. We can discuss the most suitable substance abuse treatment options – whether it be inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, private rehab or NHS rehab – and find the right treatment plan that considers both your addiction recovery and your pregnancy.
Therapy can teach you effective coping strategies and relapse-prevention techniques whilst preparing you for motherhood. It also offers a safe space to discuss your problems without judgement. Some therapies include group therapy with other mothers, individual counselling, and CBT.
Ongoing support is key when it comes to long-term recovery, especially after your baby is born. Support groups for mothers in recovery can be helpful, as well as ongoing counselling and post-natal support programmes.
Contact us today to learn more about the treatment process and secure a spot at the most suitable rehab clinic that meets your needs, preferences, and recovery goals, whether it be inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment or online support.
About Author
Nick Conn
Nicholas Conn is a leading industry addiction expert who runs the UK’s largest addiction advisory service and is regularly featured in the national press, radio and TV. He is the founder and CEO of a drug and alcohol rehab center called Help4addiction, which was founded in 2015. He has been clean himself since 2009 and has worked in the Addiction and Rehab Industry for over a decade. Nick is dedicated to helping others recover and get treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. In 2013, he released a book ‘The Thin White’ line that is available on Amazon.
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