The adverse effects of drug and alcohol consumption on the unborn baby have long been established. Deciding to detox when you’re pregnant is an admirable act; however, you might be wondering whether it’s medically safe to do so. Here are some things you should keep in mind if you decide to embark on the journey to sobriety.
Why Is Detox so Important?
Research shows that alcohol can cause a range of maladies to the fetus. Substance use can more than double the risk for stillbirth, fetal alcohol syndrome, low birth weight, and a whole host of issues. Thus, we strongly recommend that all expecting mothers begin the process of detoxing as soon as they find out they’re pregnant. Although we recommend a medical detox program to virtually anyone suffering from addiction, it’s especially necessary for pregnant women. That’s because pregnancy makes them more vulnerable to the uncomfortable side effect of quitting substance use. The fetus also needs to be monitored to ensure that it’s not being harmed in any way.
What Does Recovery During Pregnancy Look Like?
It’s essential that you let people in the treatment facility know that you’re pregnant in order for them to give you medication that wouldn’t harm the fetus. Some facilities may also be able to provide you with pre-natal care or connect to outside service providers who offer it, so that they can monitor the baby’s development. Of course, you’ll also need to address the emotional side of addiction recovery. Most likely, you’re still dealing with the psychological difficulties that got you to start drinking in the first place. So, to achieve long-lasting results, you’ll need to start mental health therapy. What this looks like will depend on your unique needs and the capacity of your treatment center. Some of the most commonly used therapy methods include individual and group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed modalities, and meditation. Your treatment providers also teach you a range of useful coping skills that you can utilize in the long term.
Make the First Step on the Journey to Recovery with Baystate Recovery Center
Here at Baystate Recovery Center, we care deeply about serving our patients to the best of our abilities. We combine a wide range of clinical modalities with the 12-step model which allows us to be flexible in our approach. We aim to meet everyone where they’re at, so we create customized treatment plans that suit their unique needs. Our kind and compassionate team members are always ready to listen to those who are considering using our service. Whether you’re just looking to learn about your option or you’re fully ready to commit to recovery, we’re here to help. Please get in touch now and we’ll talk you through your option.
Baystate Recovery Center, a clinically Infused 12-Step Treatment Center for Drug and Alcohol Addiction, was founded by two partners in addiction treatment services, John Checchi and Michael Wilson.
