Clinical management of drug dependency in pregnancy

In summary, the pregnant substance abuser challenges formal coordination between community-based programs in obstetrics, pediatrics, drug and alcohol treatment, and mental health. Moreover, since substance abuse often is a manifestation of a dysfunctional lifestyle, medical treatment must be linked to education and ultimately, career planning. Some wish that the problem would just go away. Others may feel that the problem is too enormous or too vague for solutions. Neither of these attitudes is appropriate. Identifying and mobilizing the pregnant substance abuser into health care is truly a window of opportunity. Successful rehabilitation into a drug-free lifestyle for the woman and her baby is the reward for this effort.