Substance Use Disorder During Pregnancy: Challenges and Hope
Episode Overview
Substance use disorder during pregnancy is complex and often misunderstood. Compassionate care is crucial for pregnant women facing addiction. Stigma and discrimination create significant barriers to treatment. Personal stories highlight the resilience needed for recovery. Medication-assisted treatment can improve health outcomes.
Many people who I take care of who are still using when they're pregnant often started drug use quite young.
In this episode of Beyond Substance, the hosts tackle the challenging topic of substance use disorder during pregnancy. Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller are joined by Dr. Camila Arnaudo, an addiction psychiatrist, and Ashna Clark, a mother who has faced addiction firsthand. Dr. Arnaudo shares her journey into addiction psychiatry, driven by her own experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety. She highlights the complexities of substance use among pregnant individuals and the importance of compassionate care. Dr.
Arnaudo provides insights into the risks and trends in substance use during pregnancy, emphasising the need for supportive treatment options. Ashna Clark's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. She recounts her struggles with addiction, the impact it had on her pregnancies, and her journey to recovery. Ashna's experiences shed light on the immense challenges faced by pregnant women with substance use disorders and the stigma that often accompanies them.
Her resilience and determination to build a better life for herself and her children serve as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible. The episode also touches on the barriers to treatment that many pregnant women face, including stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. The hosts discuss the importance of understanding these challenges and providing compassionate care to support recovery.
Whether you're looking to understand the science behind substance use during pregnancy or seeking inspiration from personal stories of resilience, this episode offers valuable insights and hope. Tune in to hear how compassion and support can make a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction during one of life's most vulnerable moments.