Afterword. Future directions for perinatal alcohol and drug treatment services

Although comprehensive strategies to promote recovery from the abuse of alcohol and other drugs require a significant commitment of resources and time, these strategies are considered ultimately to be cost-effective in both dollars and human lives, especially concerning perinatal populations. The development and funding of innovative approaches and the continued support of existing programs are important steps in recognizing and addressing the problem of perinatal substance abuse, and encouraging family and community stability. The extensive use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs in our society clearly necessitates innovative ways to integrate prevention, treatment, and relapse prevention efforts along with a variety of existing social, health, and support efforts. While the stigma associated with alcohol and drug dependence continues to act as a barrier, professionals and policymakers are recognizing the intertwining and clustering of social problems. Addressing those problems will require additional efforts aimed at inducing individual behavioral change within the context of social changes that support and enhance a drug-free lifestyle. Given the changing funding streams and the likely reductions in public funding of treatment, health, and social service programs, policymakers and programs will need to be especially creative in developing strategies that respond to the needs of AOD-dependent women and their children. Understanding the necessity of early investment in prevention and treatment and the personal cost savings associated with these efforts is essential to the creation of cost-effective and responsive strategies that produce ongoing and long-term benefits.